Tensions between the United Nations and the government of Mali, which cooperates closely with Russia, have been increasing for years. Now the Malian foreign minister has called for an immediate end to the UN mission MINUSMA.
Before the UN Security Council in New York, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop demanded the immediate withdrawal of the MINUSMA peacekeeping mission.
The operation with more than 10,000 blue helmets, which also includes hundreds of Bundeswehr soldiers, has not been able to react adequately to the tense security situation in the country in the past ten years, said Diop. Instead, she became “part of the problem.” “Against this background, the Malian government is demanding the immediate withdrawal of MINUSMA. However, the government is ready to cooperate with the United Nations in this regard,” said the minister.
The blue helmets are “part of the problem,” said Foreign Minister Diop.
Tensions between the United Nations and the government of the crisis country, which cooperates closely with Russia, have increased in recent years. Among other things, the French ended their participation in MINUSMA because of this.
Bundeswehr deployment hindered by military junta
Germany actually wants to withdraw its soldiers by May 31, 2024. The Bundeswehr has been involved in the blue helmet mission to stabilize the country for ten years, but has recently been massively obstructed by Mali’s military junta. For example, they refused flight permits for the Heron reconnaissance drone operated by the Germans on behalf of the UN.
The United Nations depend on the consent of the country concerned to operate a peacekeeping mission. It was initially unclear whether Diop’s statements before the Security Council count as an official position or whether a letter from the government is required, for example.