Dhe CDU defense politician Henning Otte has warned the federal government of the consequences of a withdrawal of the Bundeswehr from the West African crisis state of Mali. The UN mission Minusma is essential for the stability of the Sahel, Otte told the German Press Agency.
Should France position itself differently in its anti-terrorist operations “as part of the French election campaign, the protection of our Bundeswehr in Mali must also be guaranteed by protecting our Tiger combat helicopters or with additional reconnaissance means,” said Otte, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee is.
Warning against “terror belt in the Sahel”
The situation in Mali is difficult after military coups, he said. But it contradicts German security interests if West Africa continues to fall under the sphere of influence of official and unofficial Russian troops and, above all, Islamist terrorists.
“Germany’s security does not end at the Mediterranean. A fall of the state of Mali would have devastating effects throughout the Sahel and open the way for a terror belt in the Sahel that would threaten Africa and Europe,” Otte warned.
It is therefore urgently necessary to seek dialogue with the Malian interim president, Assimi Goita, and to persuade him to use elections to legitimize the transition. Goita had to turn away from mercenaries from the Russian company Wagner. Goita had come to power in a coup and snubbed Western states by letting Russian mercenaries into the country.
Otte called on the federal government to “structure the European training mission of Malian forces (EUTM) with a verifiable and sustainable EU framework”. Red-green-yellow must urgently show their colors in terms of defense policy, said Otte. “Especially in times of crisis, it is important to stand up for our security in solidarity with our neighbors and partners.”
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