Sputnik brings you all the most recent information, major events, heroes and views, including breaking news, images, videos, analyses, and features.

Paris Proposes Terminating UN Mission in Mali This Year

19:16, 27 June 2023

Mali is one of the countries located in the Sahel region, troubled by an Islamist insurgency since 2011. In 2014-2022, French troops operated in the country under the label of Operation Barkhane with the declared goal of fighting local terrorist groups. The mission was terminated agaist the backdrop of worsening relations between France and Mali.

Sputnik

France has prepared a draft UN Security Council resolution terminating the work of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) from June 30.

Earlier, Foreign Minister of Mali Abdoulaye Diop said that the mission was unable to adequately cope with the security situation in the country and called for its withdrawal from the country without delay.

"The Security Council [...] decides to terminate MINUSMA's mandate as of June 30 2023," the French draft says.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Mali Asks UN to Withdraw Mission From Country 'Without Delay', Foreign Minister Says

17 June 2023, 09:38

The draft also decides that MINUSMA will maintain its staff in the country until 31 December 2023 and implement drawdowns and handovers.

MINUSMA based in Mali was established by a Security Council resolution of 25 April 2013. It is responsible for protecting civilians, respecting human rights and creating conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.

Earlier in February, French media reported that the Malian authorities were expelling the head of the mission's human rights department from the country.