Among the most recent international news, the compromise found in Mali concerning the repatriation of equipment from Chadian peacekeepers is a subject that is attracting attention. This Wednesday, October 18, an agreement was in fact reached to resolve the dispute between the Chadian army and the Malian authorities, which blocked the disengagement of the Chadian contingent from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
The disengagement of MINUSMA from the Aguelhoc and Tessalit bases, located in the Kidal region, has been underway since Monday, October 16. These bases, like that of Kidal, which MINUSMA must leave next month, are coveted by both the Malian army and regional rebel groups. Both parties therefore exerted considerable pressure on the UN mission to withdraw as quickly as possible.
However, the repatriation of Chadian equipment from Tessalit posed a problem. Part of the contingent had already been repatriated at the beginning of the week by air, but the Chadian army refused to withdraw its men present in Aguelhoc and Kidal without the guarantee that the vehicles and weapons used during their deployment also remained under their control.
To further complicate the situation, the Malian authorities have been blocking logistical convoys intended to repatriate this equipment by land since September 24. The reason given was the security situation in the region, marked by the offensive of the Malian army towards Kidal. The Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, had declared that transport authorizations would be granted depending on the improvement of the situation.
Faced with these obstacles, tensions emerged between the three parties: Mali, MINUSMA and Chad. The Chadian army had already warned the Malian authorities last week that the withdrawal of its troops could not meet the planned deadlines. For its part, MINUSMA, while expressing its desire to respect the withdrawal schedule, was also concerned about the potential delays caused by this blockage. Malian Minister Abdoulaye Diop reminded the UN mission of its “obligation” to respect the deadlines set.
Finally, a compromise was found on the evening of Wednesday October 18. According to information provided by the general staff and the Chadian Ministry of Defense, the equipment of the Chadian army will be repatriated by land. Some trucks will leave directly from camps in the Kidal region with equipment deemed “essential”. At the same time, all Chadian soldiers will be repatriated by air. As for the trucks still waiting in Gao, they will leave later to collect the equipment deemed “non-essential”, once the Malian authorities give their authorization.
It is important to note that this resolution of the situation was welcomed by official Chadian sources, who emphasize that “all is well between Mali and Chad.” On the other hand, the Malian general staff did not respond to media requests.
This news once again demonstrates the challenges and complexities faced by peacekeeping missions and host countries in conflict zones. It also highlights the importance of diplomacy and dialogue to reach compromises and resolve differences, in order to guarantee regional security and stability.