Mali’s Military Junta Demands End to UN Peacekeeping Mission, Prompting Withdrawal of Troops

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 part of a recent 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, alleging that he “helped engineer” the withdrawal of peacekeepers 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 it comes at a time when the region is 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. Mali has been plagued by security challenges for over a decade, experiencing military coups and facing the control of territory by militants pledging allegiance to terrorist groups such as the Islamic State or al-Qaeda.

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 end of the UN mission raises concerns about the future stability and security of Mali, particularly in the face of increasing instability and humanitarian needs in the region. Germany has pledged to continue development aid to Mali despite the withdrawal of its troops.

What are the implications of the alignment between the military junta in Mali and the Wagner Group on democracy and human rights in the country?

Litary group Wagner, which has been implicated in human rights abuses and destabilization efforts in other African countries. This shift in alliances has raised concerns about the trajectory of democracy and human rights in Mali.

The end of the peacekeeping mission in Mali marks a significant turning point for the country and the international community. MINUSMA was deployed in 2013 to stabilize Mali following a Tuareg uprising and an Islamist insurgency. Over the years, the mission has faced numerous challenges, including attacks by armed groups, difficulties in implementing the peace agreement, and allegations of human rights abuses committed by peacekeepers.

While the mission has made some progress, including supporting the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement, the situation in Mali remains fragile. The country continues to face security threats, including an increase in violence and terrorism. The withdrawal of MINUSMA raises concerns about the potential for further instability and the impact on the protection of civilians.

The Security Council resolution acknowledges the need for continued international support for Mali’s security and development. It calls on the Malian government to strengthen its efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, promote national reconciliation, and advance governance and institutional reforms. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes security, development, and human rights.

However, the decision to end the peacekeeping mission raises questions about the ability of the Malian government to provide security and stability on its own. The military junta’s alignment with Russia and the inclusion of Wagner raise concerns about the potential for increased repression and human rights violations. The international community must closely monitor the situation and continue to support efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and sustainable peace in Mali.

The end of the peacekeeping mission in Mali is a complex and consequential development. It underscores the challenges and complexities of peacekeeping operations, particularly in contexts where there are political divisions and security threats. It also highlights the need for ongoing international engagement and support to address the underlying causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace in Mali and other similar situations.