UN Ends 10-Year MINUSMA Mission in Mali

The United Nations (UN) mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, officially concluded its 10-year deployment in the country on Monday, following orders from Mali’s military leaders.

Fatoumata Kaba, the mission’s spokesperson, confirmed the end of the mission with a symbolic ceremony, though some mission elements remain in Mali for final operations. The withdrawal comes amid concerns over jihadist violence and internal crises in Mali.

MINUSMA chief El Ghassim Wane acknowledged the mission’s achievements and limitations during its tenure. Following the withdrawal, a “liquidation phase” will commence, involving the transfer of equipment to Malian authorities and final wrap-up activities. Wane stated that all staff not involved in this phase would leave Mali by December 31, marking the full exit of the mission.

Impact and Challenges of the Mission

Since its inception in 2013, MINUSMA has faced the challenge of operating in a volatile security environment with high expectations from the Malian population. Wane highlighted the inevitable gap between the mission’s achievable goals and the hopes it raised.

Despite these challenges, the mission contributed significantly to areas where the Malian state was absent, positively impacting the lives of numerous Malians. The mission, at its peak, had around 15,000 soldiers and police, with about 180 members losing their lives in hostile circumstances. As of the last update, more than 10,500 of the approximately 13,800 personnel had already departed from Mali.