GERMANY has responded to Mali’s military junta’s request for the United Nations peacekeeping force to leave the country ‘without delay’, by stating that it is politically motivated. Germany maintains its commitment to an orderly withdrawal of its troops by May 2024. The request made by Mali’s interim military authorities on Friday cited a ‘crisis of confidence’ between the Malian authorities and the UN mission known as MINUSMA, which has faced challenges in protecting civilians and its own troops.
The unexpected demand has raised concerns about the potential for further chaos in Mali. The country conducted a constitutional referendum on Sunday with the aim of paving the way for elections and a return to civilian rule.
Germany has deployed nearly 1,000 troops to Mali, primarily stationed near the northern town of Gao. Their main responsibility is reconnaissance in support of the 13,000-strong MINUSMA.
The junta’s demand for withdrawal marks a significant turning point for Mali, which has been grappling with an Islamist insurgency since an uprising in 2012. MINUSMA was deployed by the UN Security Council in 2013 to assist in efforts to restore stability, both domestically and with international support.
Tensions have been rising due to escalating insecurity, leading to two coups in 2020 and 2021. The ruling junta has increasingly clashed with MINUSMA and other international allies, including France.
The Security Council must adopt a resolution to extend MINUSMA’s mandate by June 30. The resolution requires a minimum of nine favourable votes and no vetoes from Russia, China, the United States, Britain, or France.
The junta’s actions have strained relations with traditional Western allies, leading them to seek assistance from Russia to bolster their military capabilities. The presence of Russian private military contractor Wagner has raised concerns among Western governments.
A spokeswoman for Germany’s defence ministry commented, ‘It does not surprise us that the Malian transition government and Russia would seek to derive political capital from the upcoming extension of the UN mandate. Our focus remains on a structured exit. In this regard, we support the UN negotiations.’
Germany announced last year that it would begin withdrawing its troops from Mali starting in the middle of the following year, with the complete withdrawal scheduled to be finalised by May 2024.
