The Bundeswehr mission in the West African crisis country of Mali may be on the brink of collapse. “In view of the recent steps taken by the Malian government, we have to ask ourselves honestly whether the prerequisites for the success of our joint commitment are still in place. Our commitment is not an end in itself,” said Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Baerbock is reacting to massive tensions between the former colonial power France and the Malian military government. At the beginning of the week, the Malian leadership expelled the French ambassador. The French government then announced that it intended to discuss the future military presence in the country with its European partners by mid-February.
“We are in close consultation with our international partners and the European Union, especially France, on how to continue our commitment on the ground. In the next few days, we will also take up our questions at a high level with the Malian government,” said Baerbock. The comprehensive partnership commitment with Mali as part of the international community is guided by long-term goals. It is about “security for the people and stability and development for the country”. This can only be achieved through reforms and a return to democracy, as the country has also agreed with the West African Economic Community (Ecowas). The West fears that the Malian leadership is increasingly leaning towards Russia.
The Bundeswehr is currently involved with 328 soldiers in the EU training mission EUTM and with 1170 soldiers in the UN mission Minusma. In May, the Bundestag is to decide on the future of both missions.