German Soldiers Return from UN Mission in Mali's Troubled Terrain
After a grueling mission in the heart of West Africa, our fearless Bundeswehr warriors have touched down on German soil once more. On a chilly Friday, the final batch of our 304 soldiers, who had contributed to the UN's peacekeeping operation in Mali, touched down in Wunstorf, not far from Hanover. They were welcomed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and a throng of excited family members, honoring their courage and determination.
The UN peacekeeping mission, Minusma, was established with the hope of stabilizing Mali and implementing a peace agreement between the government and the rebels in the spring of 2013. However, the presence of Islamist terrorist groups, some with ties to the notorious al-Qaeda and Islamic State, remains a constant threat in the Sahel region. Mali itself is bracing for another potential conflict with separatist Tuareg rebels.
Refusing to back down, Mali’s military government had demanded the withdrawal of all 12,000 UN troops after growing affiliations with Russia. The UN Security Council responded by initiating the end of Minusma. Already committed to leaving, Germany followed suit. The withdrawal was a complex process, further complicated by a military coup in neighboring Niger.
Marking the end of the Bundeswehr's second major international deployment outside Europe after leaving Afghanistan, the mission in Mali was considered its most perilous. The UN peacekeeping mission concluded, and our brave soldiers finally returned home.
Bundeswehr on the Minusma mission
Germany's engagement in UN peacekeeping missions remains a vital component of its international involvement. As the Minusma mission in Mali came to an end, conversations about potential future deployments emerged, with calls for bolstering cooperation with the UN and other nations.
Additional Insights
Despite the conclusion of the Minusma mission, Germany's involvement in UN peacekeeping missions continues to evolve. New commitments and initiatives include:
- Upcoming MINUSMA deployment: In response to the mission's conclusion, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced that Germany would contribute 650 troops to serve in the MINUSMA mission in northern Mali. Gathering support for such involvement remains a delicate task, given the fragile political climate.
- UNMISS in South Sudan: Germany continues to support UNMISS, the UN mission in South Sudan, through the deployment of up to 50 military personnel in various roles, including staff positions in UN headquarters in Juba and as military observers.
- Hosting the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial: Germany has been selected to host the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial, ushering in the opportunity to motivate other nations to make substantial pledges towards UN Police (UNPOL) and other peacekeeping initiatives. The aim is to bolster the role of UNPOL while furthering objectives outlined in A New Agenda for Peace and New Vision for the Rule of Law.
- Enhancing Defense Capabilities: Germany's foreign policy is undergoing a significant shift, with a renewed emphasis on bolstering its own security and assuming more leadership roles within the EU. This involves strengthening the armed forces and fostering closer cooperation with other EU nations.
As our brave soldiers take a well-deserved rest in Germany, discussions about Germany's continued contributions to UN peacekeeping missions are gaining traction. The future remains unclear, but one thing remains certain: the Bundeswehr's unwavering commitment to protecting and defending Germany's interests abroad.
