German peacekeeping operations in Mali under the United Nation’s MINUSMA mission (Photo: Bundeswehr/Guido Ritter)

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Germany has halted peacekeeping operations in Mali under the United Nation’s MINUSMA mission amid concerns over the safety of soldiers.  German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Mali’s leaders have denied airspace access to the UN MINUSMA mission.  According to the Defense Minister, a planned rotation of personnel would not be possible because of the Mali leaders’ actions, as “this has an impact on our commitment as the safety of our soldiers has the highest priority.” She said the Germany’s operations would be suspended “until further notice” after the Mali military-led government  denied flyover rights to MINUSMA.   German troops have been stationed in the West African state of Mali for nine years.  A losing battle against Islamist terrorists in the Sahel region amid the dangers to troops most likely paid a big part in Germany’s decision to end its peacekeeping mission in Mali.   Meanwhile, France said this week its final troops have left Mali, completing a withdrawal that ends a nine-year operation in the country.  French troops will move to Niger in the Sahel, with about 1,000 soldiers based in the capital, Niamey.

German peacekeeping operations in Mali under the United Nation’s MINUSMA mission (Photo: Michael Kappeler  /dpabundesregierung.de) 

In May,  Germany  had stepped up its support for  MINUSMA, by deploying 300 additional soldiers in the troubled west African nation as France pulled its forces out.   Germany’s parliament voted in May to increase German participation in MINUSMA by raising the maximum number of Bundeswehr soldiers to be deployed there from 1,100 to 1,400.  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.