The recent decision by the UN Security Council to withdraw approximately 13,000 MINUSMA peacekeepers from Mali, following the explicit request of the Malian military government, is causing significant concerns and raising important issues for Mali, the Sahel region, and the countries involved in the peacekeeping mission, including Germany.
Ever since the military coup in May 2021, led by then-transitional Vice President Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali’s relations with its key partners have been deteriorating, leading to strained diplomatic ties. This includes the imposition of sanctions on Mali by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a strained relationship with France, which initially sent troops to Mali to combat terrorism but faced pressure to withdraw.
The deteriorating relations and growing tensions between Mali and its traditional partners have made the end of the MINUSMA mission inevitable. The Malian government has accused UN peacekeepers of failing their mission, while MINUSMA has expressed concerns about a lack of support and obstacles created by the military junta.
In response to strained relationships, Mali has openly pursued military cooperation with Russia, resulting in the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries and military trainers. This move is seen as an attempt by the Malian government to assert its sovereignty in security matters. However, experts warn that Mali has been unable to effectively ensure the security of its citizens, especially in the areas where Russian mercenaries operate. The withdrawal of MINUSMA raises concerns about the deteriorating security situation not only in Mali but also in neighboring Sahel countries, with the potential for an escalation of the military conflict.
The decision to withdraw MINUSMA is closely tied to the strained relationship between Mali and France. Mali has been seeking to distance itself from its former colonial power, and the withdrawal of French forces and the MINUSMA mission reflects the increasing difficulty in resolving conflicts on the African continent. The reliance on Russian mercenaries is seen as a problematic approach that may hinder efforts to achieve stability and peace in the region.
Opinions among Malians regarding the military’s policy are divided. Some express satisfaction with the government’s decision, believing that the presence of international troops did not improve the situation. However, others are concerned about the potential negative consequences for the population, particularly regarding the fate of ongoing projects and aid initiatives organized by MINUSMA. There is a worry that the withdrawal of international troops may lead to increased insecurity and instability.
The withdrawal of MINUSMA also poses challenges for aid and development organizations that relied on the protection provided by the UN mission. Experts predict a deterioration in the security situation for the civilian population as a result.
Efficiently managing the withdrawal of over 13,000 soldiers and police officers, along with their equipment, presents a significant logistical task. Among them are approximately 1,100 German soldiers, whose deployment to Mali will end earlier than planned. While the Bundeswehr does not anticipate major issues with the withdrawal, adjustments will need to be made to the timeline.
The premature ending of MINUSMA raises deep concerns. Thousands of lives have been lost in conflicts throughout Mali, and the alignment of the ruling military junta with Russian mercenaries, resulting in the expulsion of the humanitarian mission, has not been forgotten by Europe. The full impact and consequences of ending MINUSMA prematurely are yet to be fully assessed.