IN a poignant symbol marking the culmination of a decade-long presence, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) ceremoniously lowered the UN flag at its headquarters on Monday. This act signified the conclusion of its deployment in the West African nation.
Speaking from Mali’s capital, Bamako, El-Ghassim Wane, the special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of MINUSMA, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the peacekeepers for their unwavering dedication and immense sacrifices made over the years.
‘Words cannot capture the depth of gratitude for the 310 peacekeepers who have bravely fallen in Mali, and for the more than 700 who have suffered injuries, some enduring lifelong disabilities,’ stated Wane solemnly.
Amid this symbolic event, he reaffirmed the UN’s enduring solidarity with the Malian people in their persistent pursuit of peace, security, and development.
Acknowledging the challenging operational conditions, Wane highlighted the mission’s significant role in safeguarding civilians across their designated areas and facilitating humanitarian aid. Additionally, he emphasised its support for initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding human rights.
The decision to conclude the mission in Mali was reached by the UN Security Council in late June, responding to a request from the junta that had seized power through a coup in 2020.
Since its deployment in 2013 to contain escalating violence in northern and central Mali, the mission had comprised about 11,600 troops and 1,500 police officers. The withdrawal process, which commenced earlier, is scheduled to finalise by December 31.
Significantly, since August, the mission has successfully handed over 10 of the 13 occupied areas to the Malian authorities, signifying a transitional phase.
Highlighting the progress in repatriation, Wane noted that more than two-thirds of the mission’s workforce have already returned to their respective home countries, marking the closing chapter of MINUSMA’s significant presence in Mali.
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