BERLIN (AP) — German lawmakers on Friday gave the country’s troops the green light to remain in Mali for another year, as part of a plan to end Germany’s involvement in a UN military mission in the West African country. bring an orderly end. .
Parliament approved the new and final mandate for the participation of German troops in the UN mission MINUSMA by 375 votes in favour, 263 against and one abstention. It provides for the deployment of up to 1,400 troops until 31 May 2024 at the latest.
The main opposition bloc had called for the withdrawal of troops by the end of this year.
The government announced in November its plan to phase out German participation in the mission by mid-2024. It said the timing was designed to take into account Mali’s elections expected in February and to ensure a structured withdrawal, points the opposition questioned on Friday.
The decision followed repeated tensions between Mali’s leaders and the international community that have already led other countries to initiate withdrawal plans.
Mali has been ruled by a military junta since a 2020 coup against an elected president. Since 2013, the country has been facing destabilizing attacks by armed extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State terror group.
German military missions abroad require a mandate from parliament, which is usually granted on an annual basis.
