Mali's interim military authorities have demanded that the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country, MINUSMA, withdraw "without delay." The demand was made by Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop in a speech to the United Nations Security Council on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Diop said that MINUSMA had failed to achieve its objectives and was sowing distrust among the people. He also said that the force was not "in line with the security needs" of Mali.
The demand for MINUSMA's withdrawal comes at a time when Mali is facing a growing security threat from Islamist militants. The militants have been waging an insurgency in the country since 2012, and they have recently made gains in the north.
The United Nations has not yet responded to Mali's demand for MINUSMA's withdrawal. However, the Security Council is due to vote on the future of the force on June 30.
The withdrawal of MINUSMA would be a major setback for the international community's efforts to stabilize Mali. However, it is also understandable why Mali's government would be frustrated with the force. MINUSMA has been criticized for its slow response to the security crisis, and it has also been accused of being too close to the Malian military.
It remains to be seen whether the Security Council will agree to Mali's demand for MINUSMA's withdrawal. However, the demand is a sign of the growing dissatisfaction with the force, and it could have serious implications for the future of Mali's security.
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