In Mali, British and Ivorian peacekeepers pack their bags – Liberation

The UK announced the early departure of its 300 troops deployed since 2020, blaming “the Malian government’s partnership with the Wagner Group”. Ivory Coast has also mentioned a “gradual withdrawal” of its troops.

Back home. On Monday evening, London announced the early withdrawal of its 300 soldiers deployed in Mali since 2020 as part of the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma). The main reason is the partnership between Bamako and the Russian mercenary group Wagner. “counterproductive to long-term stability and security in the region”. The British troops’ mandate was normally due to expire in six months. “We must be clear that the responsibility for all this lies with Bamako”, Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, told the House of Commons and insisted: the British government “cannot deploy the national army to provide security when the host country’s government is unwilling to work with us to create lasting stability and security.”

Having pushed out its French, Danish and now British allies, the junta in power in Bamako is exerting constant pressure on Minusma’s peacekeeping forces. The flights etc