Tag Archives: Mali
6 April 2013
France proposed keeping a French support force of 1.000 men to the United Nations and to the Malian government, which would be permanent, based in Mali and equipped to fight terrorism. Foreign Minister Fabius said that France was pushing ahead with plans to reduce its 4.000-member military presence from the end of April, but planned to maintain a permanent combat force in Mali to support a future UN peacekeeping mission.
Source: The New York Times | Mali: France Proposes Permanent Force
18 March 2013
According to Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Edmond Mulet, the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) could be transferred to a UN stabilization mission by July 2013. The mission will be approved by the Security Council and by the Malian government.
Source: UN News Centre | Mali: UN force possible in July, senior peacekeeping official says
11 March 2013
The 2.000-strong contingent of Chad, which has played a leading part in the fight against jihadist militants in Mali, officially joined the regional African force that is deployed there on 9 March. The Chadian forces were not initially placed under AFISMA’s operational command.
Source: Global Post | Chad joins African force in Mali
26 February 2013
President Obama has announced last Friday that about 100 American troops were sent to Niger to help set up a new base from which drones would conduct surveillance in the region. Niger has signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States (US) that has cleared the way for greater American military involvement in the country, and has provided legal protection to American troops there. The US troops would support the French-led operation in Mali.
Source: The New York Times | New Drone Base in Niger Builds U.S. Presence in Africa
18 February 2013
The New York Times reports that there is a likely role for French counterterrorism forces in tracking down militants in Mali, also after the French troops will be replaced by a United Nations peacekeeping force. A State Department official of the United States stated that ‘there’s going to be an ongoing need for a counterterrorism operation in northern Mali, and that probably will always reside in the hands of the French and not in the hands of the United Nations.’
Source: The New York Times | Official Details French Role in Mali