The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as Minusma, is wrapping up on Sunday, marking the end of a decade-long effort.
The mission, initiated in 2013 in response to an armed rebellion, has faced challenges and is now concluding at the request of Mali’s ruling military government.
Headed by El-Ghassim Wane, Minusma’s leader, acknowledged the mission’s efforts but expressed that it fell short of expectations.
The mission, which witnessed 310 peacekeepers losing their lives, ranks as the UN’s second deadliest worldwide, trailing only the mission in Lebanon.
Mali formally requested the departure of Minusma’s 12,000 peacekeepers in the summer, leading to a UN Security Council vote to withdraw the mission.
Over the past months, UN staff has been departing gradually, with a deadline set for full withdrawal by December 31.
Recent reports indicated that Minusma handed over control of a major camp in the northern Timbuktu region due to security concerns.
Originally, three sites, including Timbuktu, were planned to remain open for managing the mission’s conclusion, but the presence of militants raised concerns.
El-Ghassim Wane highlighted a “gap between what we were mandated to do and what we were able to do,” acknowledging that while the mission achieved much, it fell below expectations and needs.
Mali faces fragile security conditions, with active armed Islamist and independence movements.
Additionally, the government is strengthening ties with Russia, including collaborating with the Wagner mercenary group, as Western influence wanes.
The mission commenced a decade ago in response to separatist rebels and Islamist fighters occupying northern Mali, aiming to establish a separate state.
French troops intervened, followed by UN peacekeepers.
Despite their presence, Islamist threats persisted, resulting in an increased number of terror attacks and Malians joining insurgent groups.
France announced troop withdrawal last year.
Mali, grappling with a jihadist insurgency, witnessed military coups in 2020 and 2021, leading to the country being governed by military leaders.
The jihadist threat, particularly from groups like the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, has rendered vast areas ungovernable, prompting violence and conflict.
The withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in August further intensified clashes between separatists and government forces, disrupting the fragile peace that had prevailed for eight years.
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