Special Envoy of the United States for the Sahel, J. Peter Pham, (right) meets with UN Special Representative for Mali and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) Mahamat Saleh Annadif in Bamako, Mali Oct. 2, 2020. (UNMINUSMAtwitter.com) 

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel  J. Peter Pham met with the UN Special Representative for Mali and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) Mahamat Saleh Annadif  Friday in  the west African nation’s capital city Bamako. Pham wrapped up  his three-day trip Friday arrived in Bamako during which he also  met with the transitional government and African Union officials.  Pham urged the transitional government to honor the commitments it has made to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including holding free and fair elections within 18 months in Mali.  The U.S. halted military with Mali following the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August. Pham said the  U.S. condemns the military coup.    “The U.S. will help Mali return to constitutional rule,” Pham said last week during a virtual Ground Truth Briefing hosted by The Wilson Center Africa Program titled:   “U.S. Interests and Engagement in the Sahel: Current State, Key Issues, and the Way Ahead”.  

U.S. Ambassador to Mali Also Met with Special Envoy Pham on Political Situation 

At the end of the day on Oct. 2, 2020,   MINUSMA head Mahamat Saleh Annadif   spoke with the Special Envoy of the United States for the Sahel,  Dr. J Peter Pham accompanied by the Ambassador of the United States to Mali,  Dennis Hankins.  ((UNMINUSMAtwitter.com) 

 UN MINUSMA Peacekeeping Mission in MALI Continues Operations Despite Military Coup

Les contingents du Niger et du Bangladesh lors d’une opération militaire à Ansongo. Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

 MINUSMA, which supports political processes and reconciliation in the Mali, continues operations despite the August military coup.  The military mutiny  has plunged the west African nation into political chaos. The  (MINUSMA) peacekeeping force  maintains 15,451 military personnel in Mali.  Peacekeepers also carry out several security-related tasks to ensure stability and protection of civilians.

“Our colleagues on the ground are emphasizing that the work of the UN peacekeeping mission must and will continue in support of the people of Mali, and in close liaison with the Malians, including with the Malian security and defense forces in the north and centre, where the situation is still very worrying.”

-Stephane  Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Aug. 19, 2020.

MINUSMA is the Most Dangerous UN Operation in the World

Nearly 130 peacekeepers serving in MINUSMA have been killed in malicious acts, the UN chief told the Security Council in June. The mission was established in 2013 following a military coup and the occupation of northern Mali by radical Islamists the year before.

Nearly 20  MALIAN Soldiers Killed Since Military Coup

At least Three Malian soldiers were killed September 23  in an ambush in the central region of the west African nation,  Mali’s military reported.   The attack took place in the town of Boulkessy in which four other soldiers were injured. The injured were evacuated with the support of the UN MINUSMA.  The Ministry of Defense  said it “strongly” condemned the attack launched by armed terrorist groups, and praised “the bravery and determination of valiant soldiers who fought to repel the enemy and maintain their position.”   On September 9,  Four Malian soldiers were killed in an attack on a military unit in the central part of  Mali near Alatona, close to the Mauritania border.  The attack was carried out by suspected extremists, according to a statement by the Mali’s military.

Third Attack  on Soldiers in MALI After Coup 

Les Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) sont responsables de la défense de l’intégrité territoriale et la souveraineté du Mali. 

At least 10 Malian soldiers were killed on September 4  in an attack by Islamic extremists in an ambush in a central region near the Mauritanian border.   The soldiers were killed, including a senior officer, in the attack in Guire and four vehicles were destroyed by fire.