Translators Working for German Peacekeepers: End of an Era in Mali
As the UN mission in Mali winds up, the 19 interpreters who aid German peacekeepers have expressed fears for their lives. The local translators recently appealed to the German government for protection, citing threats from jihadist groups who view their work as a traitorous act.
A spokesperson for the German foreign ministry stated that protective measures are in place to ensure the safety of local staff in the event of a crisis. This includes financial and logistical support to relocate staff to safer areas or neighboring countries within the region.
The looming exit of German soldiers from Camp Castor, the base operated by the UN mission in Gao, has heightened concerns among translators regarding their safety as they are at risk of reprisals once the mission concludes.
The translators have played a vital role since the inception of the UN mission in Mali, often venturing into the field to gather information for the forces. However, they have been met with hostility and threats from locals who label them as “infidels” for working with international forces.
Though the German Defense Joint Forces Operations Command has highlighted protective measures for local employees, the translators fear that their safety is still at risk due to the increasing violence in northern Mali.
In collaboration with other organizations, the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) has been advocating for the protection and extraction of these local staff and their families. These efforts are reminiscent of the plight faced by translators in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces in 2021, leaving many in hiding and at risk.
The harrowing tale of Hachimi Dicko, an acquaintance of the translators who was kidnapped and killed by IS militants, serves as a chilling reality for the local staff who are vulnerable to similar threats of violence.
As the UN mission in Mali reaches its conclusion and the security situation in the region becomes increasingly precarious, the fate of these translators remains uncertain. Will the departure of international forces result in a perilous future for these individuals who risk their lives to support peacekeeping operations?
