Bamako, 1 January 2024(TDI): On Sunday, the United Nations mission ends in Mali as the decade-long deployment ends in the crisis-ridden country, following the directive from Mali’s military leaders to exit. UN mission adhered to the deadline of December 31 previous year.
The United Nations Stabilization Mission “MINUSMA” is in operation since 2013. It has raised concerns about heightened conflict between troops and armed factions following its withdrawal.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has confirmed that MINUSMA had completed its agreed-upon withdrawal by December 31, 2023, in a statement released on Sunday. Guterres commended the mission for its pivotal role in safeguarding civilians and supporting the peace process in Mali.
The country has been grappling with jihadist violence and other crises. He also acknowledged MINUSMA’s contributions to upholding the ceasefire. It was outlined in the 2015 peace and reconciliation agreement between Bamako and northern rebel groups. The agreement was signed between the parties along with its efforts to reinstate state authority.
A considerable number of MINUSMA members have lost their lives in hostile situations. These killings had occurred with the majority of incidents attributed to armed groups associated with al-Qaida or the Islamic State group.
Guterres expressed his condolences and he honored the 311 MINUSMA personnel who sacrificed their lives. He also honored those 700 who sustained injuries in the pursuit of peace.
Also Read: UN Peacekeeping mission ends in Mali
The junta which took control in 2020 in Mali, had requested the exit of the mission in June. Over the last 10 years, the mission had a presence of approximately 15,000 soldiers and police in the country.
Starting from January 1, a “liquidation phase” will commence, involving activities such as transferring equipment to local authorities. Also, smaller teams remained at sites in Gao and Bamako during this period.
Violence has engulfed the fragile and economically challenged nation. This has been extending into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, exacerbating ethnic tensions along the way. Furthermore, the death toll involves thousands of civilian and fighter casualties, with millions displaced as a result.
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