Germany extends unified armed forces mission in Mali

The German Bundestag approved the decision to extend the German contribution to the European Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali and to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The EU assignment is operating alongside 13,000 UN multinational mission personnel in the West African country.

The security situation in the Sahel region is currently a matter of concern for Germany as attacks on both the security forces and the civilian population in the region have increased in recent months. 

Federal Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer emphasizes that the Sahel region is “a hub for terrorism, illegal migration and organized crime”. Stability and security in Mali and Niger, in the center of the Sahel region, are in the interests of Germany and Europe.

Our strategy is to work with European and international partners to help create an area where local people can drive the country’s civilian development – from agriculture to vocational training. 

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

Kramp-Karrenbauer said, “Our strategy is to help, together with the European and international partners, to create an area so that local people can promote the country’s civil development – from agriculture to vocational training.”

With its cabinet decision in the run-up to the German EU Council Presidency, the Federal Government is sending out a signal to strengthen its engagement in Mali. 

Germany has currently the second largest troop deployment in Mali.

The new mandate includes the expansion of the order and the expansion of the operational area to the whole of Mali and the other G5 Sahel states – in particular to Burkina Faso and Niger. 

A majority of 437 MPs supported the extension of the Bundeswehr’s directive until May 2021.