Final withdrawal of UN mission in Mali planned for mid-November

The full withdrawal of the UN stabilization mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, will be officially completed on November 15, according to a statement from the Malian council of ministers. This withdrawal marks the end of a process of “liquidation” that began after the expulsion of the mission by the Malian government in 2023.

Ten years of presence in the face of growing insecurity

MINUSMA was deployed in 2013 with the aim of stabilizing Mali, a country vulnerable to jihadist-related violence and intercommunal tensions. Initially seen as an essential support force, the mission gradually encountered criticism and tensions with the Malian authorities, culminating in 2023 with the government’s decision to end its presence. This withdrawal puts an end to a decade of efforts to contain insecurity and attempt to provide humanitarian aid to populations affected by armed violence.

Liquidation process: restitution and evacuation

Since the official cessation of MINUSMA operations at the end of December 2023, the mission has been undergoing a liquidation period, involving several administrative and logistical stages. This included the handover of infrastructure and equipment to the Malian authorities, the evacuation of remaining personnel, and the termination of current contracts. This transition process has sometimes been delicate, requiring negotiations on the resumption of bases and the management of material assets accumulated over the years.

Conclusion

The end of MINUSMA in Mali marks a crucial step in the Malian government’s sovereignty policy, but it also raises questions about the country’s ability to manage persistent security challenges alone. While the jihadist threat remains significant, responsibility for security now falls to Malian forces and their new partners, in a context of strategic reconfiguration for the entire Sahel region.