The UN Security Council is preparing, today Friday, to end the peacekeeping mission in Mali after the ruling military junta requested the departure of the 13,000-strong contingent. On June 16, Malian Foreign Minister Abdallah Diop delivered a bombshell speech at the Security Council, calling for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to be withdrawn "without delay" and condemning its "failure."
The 15-member council adopted a resolution drafted by France asking the mission to start "ceasing its operations and handing over its responsibilities, as well as the orderly and safe withdrawal of its troops in order to complete this process by December 31, 2023." The United States accused Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin of contributing to the plan for the UN peacekeeping mission's departure from Mali, stating that it had information indicating that the Malian authorities paid over $200 million to the Wagner Group since late 2021.
White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby stated, "What is not widely known is that Prigozhin contributed to orchestrating this departure to promote Wagner’s interests." He added: "We know that high-level officials in Mali worked directly with individuals affiliated with Prigozhin to inform the UN Secretary-General that Mali had withdrawn its consent for the MINUSMA mission."
For her part, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Anna Evstigneeva indicated that Mali made a "sovereign decision." She added, "We would like to reaffirm our support for Bamako in its aspiration to take full responsibility and play a leading role in stabilizing the country... Russia will continue to provide comprehensive support to Mali to restore the situation in the country to normal on a bilateral basis."
Under these circumstances, while the Security Council was preparing to discuss renewing the mission's mandate with possible amendments, it is now expected to end one of the UN's most costly missions ($1.2 billion annually). The United States informed Mali's leaders that any security cooperation with them is only possible if they achieve democratic transition and expel Wagner mercenaries.
Malian Ambassador to the UN Issa Konfuro informed the Security Council that the Malian government is aware of the resolution's adoption and "will be vigilant to ensure compliance" with the withdrawal timetable. He stated, "The government regrets that the Security Council still considers the situation in Mali as a threat to international peace and security. Mali will remain open to cooperation with all partners who wish to work with it, provided that the principles guiding our country's policies are respected."
The mission, which established around ten bases throughout Mali in 2013, was created to help stabilize a country threatened with collapse under the pressure of jihadists, protect civilians, contribute to peace efforts, and defend human rights.
