In a bold and decisive move, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop has called for the immediate departure of UN peacekeepers, who have been stationed in the country for over a decade to combat the Islamic insurgency. Diop argues that the UN mission has fallen short of achieving its objectives and has instead fostered mistrust among the Malian people. This demand from Diop coincides with discussions in the Security Council regarding the mission’s mandate, set to expire on June 30.
During his speech to the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop delivered a powerful message, urging the prompt withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers from Mali. Diop contended that the mission had failed in its purpose and was contributing to a growing sense of distrust among the people. Since 2012, Mali has grappled with an Islamic extremist insurgency, with the rebels regrouping in the desert after being ousted from power in the northern cities. The deployment of over 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers shortly after has made this mission one of the most perilous in the world, with at least 170 peacekeepers losing their lives since 2013.
In his address to the council, Diop emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the peacekeepers have inadequately responded to the security challenges in Mali. He expressed doubts about the mission’s ability to meet the security needs of the Malian people, thereby calling for their withdrawal without delay.
It is noteworthy that Mali has been under the control of a military junta since 2020, following two coups led by Col. Assimi Goita, who currently governs the country. This has strained relations with the international community, particularly due to the junta’s employment of Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group, involved in Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine. Consequently, several countries, including Benin, Germany, Sweden, Ivory Coast, and the United Kingdom, have announced the withdrawal of their troops due to the government’s restrictions on the peacekeepers’ operations.
As the Security Council deliberates the mission’s mandate, the demand made by Diop holds significant implications. Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis of the United States expressed frustration over Mali’s ongoing limitations on the peacekeeping mission’s freedom of movement and access. The request for withdrawal by Mali’s top diplomat raises concerns among conflict analysts. Laith Alkhouri, CEO of Intelonyx Intelligence Advisory, views this development as alarming, driven by the junta’s desire to maintain a tight grip on power and respond to mounting public pressure.
However, it is important to note that many Malians feel discontented with the presence of peacekeepers, as it has not brought the desired stability. Despite the UN’s acknowledgment of the request, their immediate response remains unknown. Furthermore, Mali is set to hold a crucial referendum on a new constitution on Sunday, which serves as a stepping stone towards scheduled elections in February next year.
Overall, Mali’s call for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers signifies a turning point in the country’s fight against the Islamic insurgency. The consequences of this decision remain uncertain, and it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor the developments in Mali.
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