Germany is stepping up its support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), by deploying 300 additional soldiers for a total of 1,400 in the troubled west African nation as France pulls its forces out. (Credit:  Photo: Michael Kappeler  /dpabundesregierung.de) 

By  Gary  Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC   TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS   –   NEW   YORK  –  Germany is stepping up its support for  the  United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), by deploying 300 additional soldiers in the troubled west African nation as France pulls its forces out.  Germany’s parliament on Friday voted to increase German participation in MINUSMA by raising the maximum number of Bundeswehr soldiers to be deployed there from 1,100 to 1,400.  Parliament also extended Germany’s contribution to the MINUSMA force for another year through May 2023.  The German government also deploys transport and combat helicopters in Mali under MINUSMA.  Germany says it has an interest in effective stabilisation in Mali as  terrorism, crime and poverty can have major impacts on Europe. 

“We are also extremely grateful for Germany if this gets certified. It is incumbent of all those who can to participate and cooperate in peacekeeping missions.”

-Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson  for the Secretary-General  of the UN said  during press briefing May 20,  2022 with reporters 

(By Gary Raynaldo  / ©Diplomatic Times)   Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations briefs reporters at UN world headquarters in New York May 20, 2022. 

France Withdraws  Troops From Mali Counter-Terror Op

French Emmanuel Macron announced in February France began withdrawing troops from Mali after nearly 10 years fighting armed unrest.  France has about 5,100 soldiers in the Sahel as part of its Operation Barkhane mission.  The departure of French and other European soldiers from the Sahel will impact the  UN MINUSMA in protecting civilians.  Germany’s action to increase soldiers in MINUSMA comes at a crucial time. But at the same time, Germany announced this week it will reduce its forces deployed in the European Union Training Mission in MALI (EUTM Mali) from maximum of 600 German soldiers to 300. 

Bundeswehr Troops Continue To Support Mali Peacekeeping Despite Dangers 

MINUSMA is the most dangerous UN peacekeeping operation in the world with more than 200 “blue helmets” killed since 2013.  It is bound to be an even deadlier UN mission after French soldiers depart.  Germany’s  deeper presence in MINSUMA is bold and courageous. 

“Stabilising Mali is one focus of Germany’s engagement in the Sahel region”   –Bundeswehr

France Operation Barkhane not part of UN  MINSUMA 

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson told Diplomatic Times that France’s Operation Barkhane is not part of the MINUSMA peacekeeping operation.  He said there are very few French soldiers participating in MINUSMA. 

“The Barkhane operation is not a UN Operation. France will make the decision that it feels it needs to make (regarding ending Operation Barkhane in Mali)  As far as how may French soldiers are actually under the Blue Helmets MINUSMA mission, I believe it is a handful of officers and not much more.”     UN-SG  Spokesperson