Update on the United Nations’ withdrawal from Mali

November 13, 2023 – After a decade of peacekeeping, the United Nations, on November 9, reported the accelerated withdrawal of its final elements of the Multidimensions Integrated Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from Kidal due to the deteriorating security situation in the northern part of the West African State. 

A total of 848 peacekeepers from Bangladesh, Chad, Egypt, Guinea and Nepal, as well as equipment, made up the convoy, which journeyed from Kidal to Gao from October 31 to November 7. During the journey, the convoy faced six IEDs, insecurity challenges, bad weather and poor road conditions. 

The UN noted that the convoy departed “without air support due to a lack of flight clearance from the relevant Malian authorities, increasing the threat to the safety of the peacekeepers.” So far, the UN force has closed 8 of its 13 camps and will be closing its camps in Ansango and Mopti in the coming weeks. The international body expects to complete the withdrawal of MINUSMA from Mali by December 31.

Photo Captions: 

Header:  – The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, has supported peace and reconciliation efforts in the country. UN Photo/Harandane Dicko

Insert:  – Peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in Mali on a long-distance patrol between Gao and Ansongo. (file) UN Photo/Fred Fath