UN Ends Decade-Long Peacekeeping Mission in Mali

Concerns Rise Over Potential Intensification of Clashes as Mali Deepens Ties with Russia

The United Nations has officially ended its 10-year peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, following a request from Mali's military government.
During the mission, the UN maintained a force of about 15,000 soldiers and police in Mali, with over 300 personnel killed, making it the deadliest peacekeeping mission in the world.
Despite the mission, Mali continues to struggle with an Islamic extremist insurgency that began in 2012, with rebels regrouping in the desert and launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.
There are concerns that the withdrawal of UN troops will lead to an intensification of clashes between armed groups operating in the country.
Mali's government has deepened ties with Russia and the private army Wagner Group since the coup in 2020, leading to condemnation from Western countries.