The UN camp in Kidal, the last bastion of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), is on the verge of closing its doors. Initially scheduled for mid-November, the closure of the camp could be brought forward as early as next week, due to the worrying security situation in the northeastern region of Mali.
According to official sources, the evacuation of unnecessary MINUSMA personnel continues in Kidal, and the camp is expected to be closed by the end of October. This decision was taken due to the deterioration of the security situation in the region, endangering the personnel of contributing nations as well as the civilian personnel of MINUSMA.
Chadian peacekeepers, for example, are encountering increasing difficulties in obtaining the necessary authorizations from the Malian authorities in order to bring their troops back to the country. They therefore made the decision to accelerate their departure, and evacuation operations are already underway.
The situation is also complicated for the Guinean contingent in Kidal, which finds itself blocked, without the possibility of movement. In addition, MINUSMA tanker trucks are currently stuck in Gao, depriving fuel facilities and risking plunging the region into darkness.
As part of the camp closure, measures have been taken to process non-transportable equipment. Explosives and munitions will be destroyed, while office equipment will likely be handed over to civilian populations.
It is important to emphasize that, if necessary, the local UN representation in Kidal could leave the camp without formally handing it over to the Malian authorities, as was the case in Aguelok.
This decision to close the Kidal camp underlines the seriousness of the security situation in northern Mali, and the inability of MINUSMA to guarantee the protection of personnel and property. It also raises questions about the future of the UN presence in the region and efforts to stabilize the country.
It is imperative that measures are taken to strengthen security in the region and allow a return to stability. In the meantime, the closure of the Kidal camp marks a significant step in the evolution of the situation in Mali, and underlines the urgency of concerted international action to resolve the crisis in the country.