British troops, deployed in Mali as part of the UN Mission (Minusma), will interrupt their three-year mandate; so decided the United Kingdom this Monday, November 14, highlighting the presence on Malian territory of mercenaries from the Russian paramilitary company Wagner requested by Bamako.
« The United Kingdom contingent will leave Minusma earlier than planned, » Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, told the British Parliament.
He explained that « the Malian government’s partnership with the Wagner Group is counterproductive for long-term stability and security in the region. » Also according to his words, London « cannot deploy the national army to provide security when the government of the host country does not have the will to work with us to bring stability and lasting security ».
This official also denounced the two coups perpetrated in Mali in two years, considering that these are actions that undermine “international efforts to achieve peace”.
The British contingent, active since 2020 in Mali, has around 300 soldiers, including 16 women, stationed in Gao. According to experts, his departure will be a real shortfall for the Minusma, because he brings together several important specialties and has advanced equipment. Thanks to its equipment, the UN mission would have recorded several victories over the jihadists or terrorists.
« We must be clear that the responsibility for all of this lies with Bamako, » said James Heappey, who did not have to specify the date of the withdrawal. However, he promised that “the UK will continue its engagement in Mali and the Sahel through our humanitarian, stabilization and development assistance, working in close cooperation with our partners”.
Furthermore, he declared that “we are working closely with our allies to study the options in order to rebalance our deployment alongside France, the European Union and other allies who share our values”.
Relations between Mali and its European allies have begun to deteriorate since the military came to power. France was the first to announce the withdrawal of its troops.
By OMA Newsletter N° 938 of 15/11/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
