The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali said Sunday it had brought forward its withdrawal from a base in the north of the country due to deteriorating security conditions.
After combat increased, the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali accelerated its evacuation from northern Ber. Sunday’s MINUSMA statement said “deteriorating security” necessitated its departure, and declared on X, formerly Twitter, that it was withdrawing from Ber owing to security concerns and the severe risks to Blue Helmets.
“It urges all concerned parties to refrain from Any actions that could further complicate the operation.”Senior local security officials confirmed the UN mission left “without incident”. In recent days, the Tuareg-led Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) accused Malian and Russian Wagner Group troops of violating a truce by striking its fighters near Ber.
The Mali army has not responded to the CMA’s allegations, although it alleged “armed terrorist groups” murdered six of its soldiers in the town. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, CMA spokesperson, said rebels and Mali troops fought on Sunday.
Violence has stoked concerns about a separatist rebellion in a country in upheaval since 2012
Violence has stoked concerns about a separatist rebellion in a country in upheaval since 2012.CMA controls most of northern Mali and desires independence. In June, Mali unexpectedly demanded the removal of MINUSMA, which had been there for a decade. The 2015 Algiers Accord prevented a Tuareg-led rebel separatist rebellion. Around 11,600 troops and 1,500 police officers worked with MINUSMA.
In 2012, armed organizations hijacked the Tuareg revolt and pushed it to Burkina Faso and Niger, killing thousands and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes. Mali’s instability led to military coups in 2020 and 2021. The UN claims “grave human rights abuses” by military administrations.
