Abroad|Peacekeeping
The Swedish decision concerns the so-called Takuba Special Unit. The country has not yet made a decision on a UN-led peacekeeping operation in which Finland is also involved.
Swedish will withdraw some of its troops from Mali in West Africa later this year, Reuters reports.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country Ann Linde announced the decision on Friday. The decision concerns the so-called Takuba Special Unit. Among other things, the unit has been advising and assisting Mali’s own armed forces.
Takuba was set up to continue the Barkhane, originally created by France, to carry out counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel. Takuba involves 14 European states and aims to provide logistical support and special forces soldiers in the fight against jihadists, among other things.
Linde did not comment on the country ‘s response to the UN – led peacekeeping operation in Minus. In total, Sweden has had about 370 soldiers in the country. Finland has also been involved in what was established in 2013 Minus mass.
According to the Defense Forces, the mission is to support the legitimate administration of Mali. Its tasks include supporting the protection of civilians, the monitoring of human rights, humanitarian aid and the possibilities for return migration.
In addition, Finland has participated in another operation, EUTM Mali, which, according to the Defense Forces, is training and supporting the Malian Armed Forces.
The UN called for on Thursday, Malia’s ruling junta to set an official election day. The UN’s call came after the junta proposed extending its term to five years.
The international community has called on the junta to keep its promise to hold elections on 27 February.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian In an interview with AFP, the news agency called on the EU to stick to its threats to impose sanctions if the junta does not keep its promises. France has also recently reduced its military presence in Mali, where it sent thousands of troops to fight jihadists.
Mali has experienced two coups in a short time. In 2020, soldiers staged a coup in August in which they ousted the president Ibrahim Boubacar Keïtan. In 2021, the soldiers, in turn, took power over the president Bah N’dawilta.
The country is currently headed by an colonel as interim president Assimi Goïta.
Malin the administration has accused France of rejecting it and has signed deals with the Russian private pay army, Wagner. According to France, Wagner’s involvement has made cooperation with the Malian administration impossible.
According to Linde, Wagner’s presence and the junta’s efforts to stay in power are unacceptable.
“We know Wagner is [siellä] … And if they have a greater influence, then we cannot continue with large numbers of troops [Malissa]. ”
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