The United Nations concluded its decade-long peacekeeping operation in Mali on Sunday, following a directive from Mali’s military leaders. The UN stabilization mission (MINUSMA), operational since 2013, withdrew by the agreed deadline of December 31, 2023, amidst concerns of escalating conflict between troops and armed groups.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged MINUSMA’s significant contributions in civilian protection and supporting Mali’s peace process, amidst jihadist violence and other crises. He praised the mission’s role in upholding the 2015 peace and reconciliation agreement between Bamako and northern rebel groups and its efforts in restoring state authority.
Mali’s ruling junta, in power since 2020, demanded the mission’s departure in June, after a decade of MINUSMA maintaining approximately 15,000 soldiers and police. The mission faced significant losses, with 311 personnel killed, mostly attributed to armed groups linked to al-Qaida or the Islamic State group.
Guterres paid homage to the fallen and injured personnel, expressing gratitude for their dedication to peace. The mission’s withdrawal, beginning January 1, 2024, will involve handing over equipment and maintaining smaller teams in Gao and Bamako for a “liquidation phase”.
Violence in Mali has led to deaths and displacement of civilians and fighters, affecting neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. MINUSMA was deployed in 2013 following separatist insurgencies and a military coup, with over 15,000 troops and personnel assisting in security, humanitarian aid, and election preparations.
El-Ghassum Wane, outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of MINUSMA, emphasized the mission’s impact on civilian lives. Despite being one of the UN’s most challenging peacekeeping missions, MINUSMA significantly aided Mali in tackling numerous challenges.
On Saturday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the Secretary-General’s deepest gratitude to the mission’s staff, including Mr. Wane, for their exemplary leadership in a challenging context.
Mali’s foreign affairs minister requested MINUSMA’s withdrawal in June, leading to the UN Security Council adopting resolution 2690 for an orderly withdrawal by December 31, 2023, followed by liquidation. The mission’s closure is aligned with ensuring UN personnel’s safety, safeguarding the mission’s legacy, and maintaining a conducive environment for the UN’s continued engagement in Mali.
Since July, MINUSMA has been gradually withdrawing personnel and handing over bases to Malian authorities. The liquidation phase will oversee the orderly transfer of assets and disposal of UN-owned equipment, with the transitional government’s cooperation.
Although MINUSMA concludes, the UN’s presence in Mali persists. UN funds, agencies, and programs, along with the Country Team in Mali, UNOWAS, and the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, will continue to support Mali’s pursuit of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The UN remains committed to working with Mali’s people and transitional government towards constitutional restoration, peace, security, and sustainable development.
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