Mali: The Minusma leaves Timbuktu

The United Nations peacekeeping mission ( Minusma) in Timbuktu, Mali lowered its flag on Thursday, December 28, despite originally planning to remain operational for another 18 months from January 1, 2024.

Mali officially took control of the premises in a ceremony presided over by the regional governor.

Since last July, MINUSMA withdrew 1,867 military personnel, 173 police officers, and 226 civilians from Timbuktu.

After a decade of presence in Mali, the UN mission is set to conclude its operations with a complete withdrawal on December 31, a decision requested by the transitional authorities in Mali.

In line with the request from Malian authorities, represented at the UN by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Resolution 2690 of the Security Council, adopted on June 30, 2023, terminated MINUSMA’s mandate.

While calling for MINUSMA’s withdrawal, Malian authorities unequivocally stated that the mission’s results were considered a failure.

According to Bamako, the United Nations mission did not achieve significant outcomes, particularly in the realm of security.

Following the departure of the UN mission, some analysts, often critical of imperialism, hastily concluded that the withdrawal would lead to chaos in Mali. However, the current situation suggests otherwise.

After the departure of MINUSMA and, even more significantly, the withdrawal of French forces, Mali has taken control of its destiny to confront terrorism and jihadism.

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) have demonstrated remarkable achievements in the fight against insecurity, as evidenced by the successful recapture of Kidal.

It is evident that the withdrawal of the UN mission has not created a vacuum, contrary to the expectations of many.

Rather, the departure of MINUSMA now allows Mali to gradually reclaim its territory.

Neil Camara