Mali’s Foreign Ministry has called for the immediate withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), accusing the mission of failing to adequately respond to the country’s pressing security challenges. The peacekeeping mission, established in 2013 to tackle the growing threat of jihadist insurgency, has faced mounting criticism from the Malian government.
Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized the government’s willingness to cooperate with the UN but dismissed the proposed options to amend the mission’s mandate put forth by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Despite Guterres’ attempts to find a middle ground, Diop insisted that MINUSMA had become part of the problem, aggravating community tensions and eroding national cohesion.
Mali’s decision has raised concerns about the future stability of the country. MINUSMA, with its robust military presence, has played a crucial role in maintaining some semblance of peace in Mali. The mission has faced ongoing challenges, particularly following a military coup in 2020 and another coup just nine months later.
Tensions between the Malian government and MINUSMA have been further strained by recent allegations of human rights violations by both the Malian military junta and their Russian supporters, the controversial Wagner group. These allegations, highlighted by UN experts, have only intensified the government’s frustrations with the peacekeeping mission.
MINUSMA head El Ghassim Wane acknowledged the concerns raised by Minister Diop but emphasized the need for the host country’s consent to continue the mission’s operations. Without the support of the Malian government, sustaining the mission becomes an arduous task.
The expulsion of MINUSMA spokesperson Olivier Salgado earlier this year, along with the temporary suspension of group rotations, reflects the deteriorating relationship between the Malian authorities and the peacekeeping mission.
The UN and international stakeholders must closely monitor the situation in Mali, as its stability remains uncertain without the presence of a robust peacekeeping force. It is crucial to find a resolution that addresses the country’s security concerns while also addressing the grievances raised by the Malian government. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for Mali’s peace and stability.
