Germany focused on security as UN's Mali mission ends

As the Security Council prepares to vote on a demand by Mali to end the UN mission in the country, Germany's top diplomat said an orderly and clear withdrawal must be the priority, reported dpa.

It must be a withdrawal "that focuses on the security of the people and the security of the soldiers."

Speaking on Friday in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Berlin, along with its international partners and Mali's immediate neighbours, had campaigned last year to "maintain this mission, which is so important for the people of Mali."

"Unfortunately, the military government made a different decision, which is why the international community must now withdraw," Baerbock said.

In mid-June, Mali's military government abruptly demanded the withdrawal of MINUSMA, a mission numbering some 12,000 troops from many countries, including Germany, that was first deployed in 2013.

UN peacekeeping missions are dependent on agreement with the government of the country concerned. MINUSMA's mandate expires on Friday.

A vote on terminating the peacekeeping mission in Mali is expected soon in the Security Council.

A draft resolution under consideration provides for a transitional period of six months up to the end of this year, during which time deployments by the blue helmets will be limited, dpa has learned.

Germany has already taken a decision to end its participation by May 31, 2024 following increasing difficulties with the Malian government.

MINUSMA was set up after Islamist militias overran the north of the country in 2012. The militias have expanded their operations into the centre of the country and into its neighbours.

To the frustration of Western powers, Mali is cooperating with Russia's Wagner Group of mercenaries, which is reported to have up to 2,000 fighters in Mali. The Malian junta led by Colonel Assimi Goïta describes them as trainers.