Why Protesters Want the UN Peacekeeping Mission to Leave Mali

People gathered in Mali to oust UN Peace Keeping Mission
Image Credit: Google

Several thousand demonstrators gathered in Bamako, Mali in order to demand the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MUNISMA).

The rally, organized by the M5-RFP party and civil society organizations in the support of transitional military government, highlights growing discontent with the United Nations mission's failure to achieve durable peace in the country. 

Calls for MUNISMA to Leave the Country:

Demonstrators at the Palais des Sports arena hold signs urging the departure of MUNISMA due to its inability to ensure peace effectively. Malians expressed frustration with the mission, accusing it of failing to protect the population and neglecting to intervene during massacres near UN compounds.

The sentiment among the protesters was to remove UN force from the country, with assurances that they can address security concerns independently.

Mali's Ongoing Security Challenges:

Since 2013, Mali has faced attacks by armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda, resulting in thousands of deaths. MUNISMA, with its 14,000-strong troop presence, was established to support local and foreign forces combating these armed groups.

However, despite its significant presence, the UN mission has struggled to provide effective protection and peacekeeping, making it the largest, costliest, and deadliest operation in UN history.

Loss of Confidence in MUNISMA:

Initially welcomed by Malians, the UN peacekeeping force has faced growing criticism. Malian citizens now perceive the UN soldiers as part of the problem rather than the solution.

They accuse the mission of failing to deliver on its mandate and blame it for not intervening adequately in critical situations. This loss of confidence has led to increased demands for the withdrawal of MUNISMA.

Friction within the Military of Mali and Russian Involvement:

Tensions between the Malian military government and the UN mission have escalated, partly due to the government seeking assistance from the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company.

The UN's human rights investigators have accused this Russian-backed force of arbitrary killings and torture, potentially constituting war crimes. Such developments have further strained relations between Mali, Europe, and the UN.

Growing Dissatisfaction with International Involvement:

France withdrew its troops from Mali in 2022 after a military coup and the government's subsequent alliance with the Wagner Group. This move has contributed to deteriorating relations between Mali and Europe.

Malians, expressed frustration with the international community's involvement, perceiving it as discrediting the Malian army and impeding national unity.

Ineffectiveness of the UN Mission:

Transitional Prime Minister Choguel Maiga highlights the UN mission's ineffectiveness, claiming that its original purpose was to end the war but was subsequently altered to focus on peacekeeping.

He argued that this change in mandate has failed to deliver the expected peace and stability, leaving Mali in a state of continued conflict and insecurity.

The protest in Bamako reflects the growing dissatisfaction among Malians with the UN peacekeeping mission, MUNISMA. Malians perceive the mission's presence as ineffective and even detrimental to their security.

The ongoing friction between the Malian military, the UN mission, and Russian involvement further complicates the situation. As calls for the departure of MUNISMA increase, Mali faces the challenge of restoring peace and stability while navigating its relationships with international partners.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)