The ongoing political turmoil in Niger has complicated the process of withdrawing UN peacekeepers from neighboring Mali, according to a spokesperson for the United Nations (UN).
“The current developments in the region are making an already complex operation even more challenging,” stated Florencia Soto Nino, associate spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“And the time frame is quite short, so obviously, we are looking at how these developments could affect our operations.”
In June, the UN Security Council decided to terminate the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The mission was given a deadline of December 31, 2023, to complete its withdrawal.
The recent coup in Niger could have “a significant impact” on the withdrawal process since Niger serves as a crucial route for repatriating personnel and equipment, explained the spokesperson.
“When a country’s borders are shut down, we cannot utilize that route. This will require finding alternative routes, which will inevitably complicate the withdrawal process.”
With the situation in the region still evolving, the UN is carefully considering all possibilities to ensure the success of the withdrawal, added Nino.
MINUSMA, which was mandated by the Security Council in 2013, has proven to be one of the deadliest UN peacekeeping missions to date. As of June 30 this year, over 300 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Malian authorities called for the mission’s withdrawal from the country due to increased tensions between the government and the mission.
Xinhua/NAN
