Bundeswehr mission in Mali: “Check engagement intensively”

Federal Defense Minister Lambrecht has announced that she will review the Bundeswehr’s deployment in Mali. If security cannot be guaranteed, then the operation must be ended, she said ARD daily topics.

France’s decision to withdraw its troops from West African Mali is likely to have consequences for the continuation of the two German military operations. “We will have to review our commitment intensively,” said Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht in an interview with the ARD daily topics. “Because the skills that France has provided were also important for our soldiers – especially in terms of security.”

Safety is a basic requirement

For example, the lack of French combat helicopters in the future would have to be compensated. The safety of the German soldiers is a basic requirement for the German mission.

Lambrecht spoke of various possibilities: You have to see whether another nation can take on this ability. “Or whether France could do this from another region.” This is now being discussed intensively with the allies. It must be clear that when German soldiers are deployed, they must also be adequately protected.

“If I can’t guarantee that, then we have to end this mission. And that’s why we have to think about whether we want to continue to get involved there at all.”

Fight against terrorists far from over

Lambrecht emphasized that it was important that the fight against terrorists continued. “Because it’s far from over.”

However, with regard to the training mission of the Malian soldiers, the question must be asked whether “this is going in the right direction”. “If the Malian government is not willing to continue to honor agreements, then we have to ask ourselves whether this is the government we want to support.” She referred to a clearly agreed democratization process. If Mali is not prepared to go along with this, “then I would also recommend not pursuing this EUTM mission any longer.”

A number of armed groups are active in the Sahel region, which stretches south of the Sahara from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. Some have pledged allegiance to the terrorist groups Islamic State (IS) or al-Qaeda. In addition to the anti-terrorist missions, the EU training mission EUTM and the UN stabilization mission Minusma, in which the Bundeswehr is involved with a good 1,350 soldiers, are also underway in Mali. The current mandates for the stakes in EUTM and Minusma are valid until May 31, 2022.

Ukraine: NATO acts with one voice

In addition, Federal Defense Minister Lambrecht spoke about the involvement of the Bundeswehr in the Ukraine conflict. NATO has decided to send more combat troops to Osteueropa, in which Germany is taking part. “We have decided that we will strengthen our forces on the eastern flank in Lithuania,” Lambrecht said. More than 500 soldiers are already on site. And 367 additional were set in motion.

They are ready to “do our part in the alliance on the eastern flank as well. Of course we are responsible for that.” Germany also made Eurofighter available. “Should there be an attack on Ukraine, then we will also make further substantial contributions. We are prepared for that.” According to Lambrecht, NATO speaks and acts with one voice.