UN Security Council Votes to End Peacekeeping Mission in Mali
The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to end the decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali, as demanded by the country’s military junta. The resolution, drafted by France, orders the immediate withdrawal of over 15,000 personnel from the mission known as MINUSMA, with the pullout to be completed by the end of the year.
The decision comes two weeks after Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop labeled the UN operation a “failure” and called for its termination. Mali’s relations with the United Nations and Western nations have deteriorated significantly since a military coup in 2020, with the military regime also severing defense cooperation with France, its former colonial power.
Instead, the junta has aligned itself with Russia and brought in the paramilitary Wagner Group. The mercenaries, who have also been involved in Russia’s war in Ukraine, were recently part of a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s military led by Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. The United States has blamed Prigozhin for contributing to the termination of the UN mission, accusing him of engineering the withdrawal to further Wagner’s interests.
Following the vote, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that German troops would exit Mali faster than originally planned. However, British Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward expressed regret over Mali’s decision, stating that the region is currently facing increasing instability and humanitarian needs. She also expressed skepticism about the partnership with the Wagner Group, believing it will not deliver long-term stability or security for the Malian people.
Shortly after the vote, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Diop and promised “unstinting support” for Mali in the military, humanitarian, and economic areas, according to the foreign ministry in Bamako.
Mali has been plagued by security challenges for over a decade, experiencing military coups and facing acute security concerns. The situation is particularly dire in the northern and central parts of the country, where militants affiliated with terrorist groups such as the Islamic State or al-Qaeda control significant territory.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, which began in 2013, has been one of the most dangerous and costly missions for the UN, with an annual budget of $1.2 billion. Since its establishment, many peacekeepers have lost their lives. Approximately 13,000 troops and police have been deployed to Mali as part of the operation.
The decision to end the peacekeeping mission raises concerns about the future stability and security of Mali, as well as the impact on the region’s increasing instability and humanitarian needs. Germany has pledged to continue development aid to Mali despite the withdrawal of its troops.
How has the involvement of the Wagner Group in Mali raised concerns about potential human rights abuses and violations during their operations?
Ian President Vladimir Putin. The involvement of the Wagner Group has raised concerns among human rights organizations and international observers, who fear possible abuses and violations during their operations in Mali.
The decision to end the MINUSMA mission has been met with mixed reactions. While some argue that it is a necessary step to respect the demands of the Malian military junta and maintain diplomatic relations, others express concerns about the impact of the decision on the security and stability of Mali and the Sahel region.
MINUSMA was established in 2013 to support peace and stability in Mali following a Tuareg rebellion and the subsequent Islamist insurgency. The mission has faced numerous challenges throughout its existence, including attacks by militant groups and the ongoing political instability in the country. Despite its efforts, Mali continues to face security threats and unrest, with the presence of various armed groups exacerbating the situation.
The withdrawal of MINUSMA raises questions about the capacity of the Malian security forces to effectively address the security challenges facing the country. It also emphasizes the need for continued international support and cooperation to ensure the stability and development of Mali.
The Security Council resolution includes provisions for the UN to provide ongoing support to Mali, particularly in the areas of governance, security sector reform, and peacebuilding. This highlights the recognition that the end of the peacekeeping mission does not mean the end of international engagement in Mali, but rather a shift in focus towards other forms of support.
The resolution also emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the socio-economic challenges and the marginalization of certain communities. It calls on the Malian authorities to implement comprehensive peace agreements and engage in inclusive dialogue to address the grievances of all parties involved.
As the UN Security Council voted to end the peacekeeping mission in Mali, it marks a significant turning point for the country and the region. The future of Mali now relies heavily on the ability of the Malian authorities to effectively address the security challenges, promote inclusive governance, and implement sustainable peace agreements. International support and cooperation will continue to be crucial in this process, as Mali strives for a stable and prosperous future.
