The alleged assassination of young Malian Kevin, who worked for a company serving the Bundeswehr in Mali, shocked Germany. A photo circulating on the Internet suggests that Kevin was executed by Islamists who accused him of cooperating with the German army. This revelation worries German political circles, especially after the open letter from the Malian translators of the Bundeswehr who fear reprisals from the Islamists following the departure of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of Malians who work directly for the Bundeswehr or for non-governmental organizations. So far, the German Ministry of Defense considers that these people are not threatened, but this case challenges this position. Malian translators expressed concern about Germany’s commitment to ensuring their safety from potential dangers.
Sara Nanni, responsible for defense issues in parliament for the German Greens, calls on the Ministry of Defense to reconsider its position and take this matter seriously. According to her, Germany has a responsibility towards those who have provided assistance and must ensure their safety not only today, but also in the future.
Faced with the growing threat of Islamists in Mali, it is essential that Germany reconsiders its policy of protecting Malians working for its armed forces. A reassessment of the situation is necessary to guarantee the safety and protection of these individuals who courageously supported the peace efforts by cooperating with the German forces.
It is important to continue to follow this case closely and to provide concrete support to Malian translators and to all those who have taken risks to collaborate with the Bundeswehr. Their safety should not be neglected and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent further tragedies like this