Mali: The government concludes the MINUSMA withdrawal with dignity
Launched on January 1, 2024, under the supervision of the Liquidation Entity based in Bamako, this phase of the MINUSMA withdrawal was initially set to last for 18 months, until December 31, 2024.
However, thanks to the determination and tireless efforts of the Malian government, it will now be completed earlier, by November 15, 2024, with the handover of the Bamako camp, as well as the repatriation of all international civilian personnel, contingents, and equipment.
In June 2023, the Malian authorities officially requested the immediate withdrawal of the mission from the UN Security Council, paving the way for the departure of the blue helmets as early as July 1, 2023. After more than ten years of presence, MINUSMA is therefore leaving the country for good, marking the end of a mission whose results have often raised questions among Malians.
This decision by the Malian government reflects a noble and courageous approach aimed at restoring Mali’s full sovereignty and directly assuming responsibility for its security. The decision to take control of the country’s protection and free itself from dependence on a foreign force is praised by many citizens and allies who support this position in favor of autonomy and national dignity.
By taking such an initiative, the Malian authorities are affirming their vision of a more resilient Mali, relying on its own forces and on alliances based on sincerity and mutual respect.
This bold choice by Mali’s leaders is not limited to security concerns; it represents a broader will to preserve the country’s independence and integrity in the face of contemporary challenges. Partners and citizens alike are welcoming this commitment from the government, seeing it as a sign of renewal for Mali, which aspires to write its own history based on values of dignity, solidarity, and responsibility.
By supporting this direction, Mali’s allies, notably within the Sahel States Alliance, are ready to accompany the country into this new era, where it will chart its own course, free from external tutelage, while laying the foundations for sovereign and lasting security.
