The Netherlands is considering the military mission in Mali. The already fragile security situation in the African country has deteriorated further. Other countries active in the UN mission are considering quitting.
The Netherlands is ‘very concerned’ about the developments in Mali, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense says ‘to look at the French first’. That country plays a major role in the mission in Mali and will this week consult other countries that are active in the UN mission Minusma. “If it is no longer feasible or safe, we will think carefully about the progress of the mission.”
France has been active in Mali since 2013. In that year, the former colonizer was asked by the Malian leaders to help in the fight against Islamic extremists. If France decides to stop, the Netherlands would only want to continue if another country takes over the significant role of the French military. The chance that a country will be up for it is considered small by those in the know.
Stability
Both Foreign Affairs and Defense do not want to prejudge consultations with partner countries about the mission in Mali. It is emphasized, however, that the Netherlandscommitted‘ is up to Mali and considers stability in the country ‘of great importance’. “For that reason too, the cabinet wants to continue talking with the Malian transition authorities,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The House of Representatives will probably be informed by letter this week about the outcome of the consultations with the other countries active in Mali.
The Netherlands returned to Mali in November 2021, having left the country in 2019 after a five-year mission. The Defense organization is now supplying a Hercules transport aircraft with nearly ninety military support personnel until May. The UN mission is now also commanded by a Dutchman, Kees Matthijssen. The Netherlands is also still active in the EU training mission in the country.
The House was already very concerned about the instability in the country at the end of last year, when rumors were already going around that the transitional government wanted to deploy Russian mercenaries. That appears to be happening now.
Tensions between Mali and France are so high that the Malian government ordered the French ambassador to the country to leave this week. Minister Wopke Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs said on Twitter that he “deplores” the decision and stated “to show solidarity” with France. Last week, Danish soldiers who had just arrived for their mission had to turn around again by order of the Malian regime. Sweden has already withdrawn soldiers. Germany today said it would consider canceling the mission.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
#Netherlands #concerned #Mali #situation #military #mission