Mali Requests Withdrawal of UN Peacekeeping Forces

The interim military authorities in Mali have requested the immediate withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission from the country, citing a crisis of trust with the mission, known as MINUSMA, which has been present for a decade. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addressed the 15-member Security Council, stating, "Unfortunately, it seems that the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali has become part of the problem by fueling tensions between community groups." He added, "This situation causes a lack of trust among the people of Mali and also creates a crisis of confidence between the authorities of Mali and MINUSMA... The government of Mali requests the immediate withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission from Mali." This request marks a turning point for the West African nation, which has struggled to eliminate a jihadist insurgency that took hold following a 2012 uprising. The UN Security Council deployed MINUSMA in 2013 to support national and international efforts to restore stability. Feelings of frustration and anger over insecurity have been driving factors behind two coups in 2020 and 2021, further escalating tensions between the ruling military council and MINUSMA, as well as other international allies, including France.