Mali: Lives of Peacekeepers in Danger says United Nations

The United Nations (UN) has removed its peacekeepers from a camp in northern Mali ahead of schedule due to safety concerns. The UN, on Saturday stated that their final convoy departed from the Tessalit camp. 

Mali's military leaders, who previously instructed the withdrawal of all UN and French forces, claim to have assumed control of the Tessalit camp.

After being present for 13 years, the departure of the UN stabilization mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has raised concerns about increased conflict between military forces and armed groups vying for control of the region. MINUSMA stated on Sunday that the withdrawal took place in a highly precarious security environment, putting the lives of personnel at risk.

Prior to their departure, MINUSMA made the challenging choice to render costly equipment, including vehicles, munitions, generators, and other items, inoperable.

The reduction in foreign troops in Mali raises concerns about a potential increase in violence from various armed factions, such as Islamist militants and Tuareg militias.