Title: The United Nations Mission in Mali is struggling to evacuate its staff from Kidal
Introduction :
The situation in Mali remains tense with the imminent departure of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission for Stabilization in Mali (Minusma) from the city of Kidal. While the planned deadline was October 31, Minusma is faced with flight authorization problems which jeopardize the repatriation of its personnel. We take a closer look at the difficulties faced by the mission and the growing concern among its members.
A hasty departure:
Initially, Minusma planned to close its camp in Kidal in mid-November. However, due to the unstable situation and growing tensions between rebel forces and the Malian army, the mission decided to accelerate its departure. Given the security threats, it is essential that Minusma organizes a safe withdrawal of its personnel from Kidal.
Flight authorizations refused or limited:
The main challenge facing Minusma is obtaining the necessary flight authorizations to transport its personnel out of Kidal. Unfortunately, these authorizations are either refused or granted sparingly by the Malian authorities. This situation creates great concern among the members of the mission, who fear being trapped in a high-risk area.
The consequences of inaction:
If Minusma is unable to meet the October 31 deadline, this could have serious consequences for the security of its personnel. Rebel forces are seeking to take possession of the Blue Helmets camp in Kidal, and the Malian army wants Minusma to remain present until its arrival. In this context, it is imperative that the UN demonstrate diligence and guarantee a safe withdrawal of its men from Kidal.
Conclusion :
The current situation in Kidal highlights the complex challenges facing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Denied or limited flight authorizations make it difficult to repatriate Minusma personnel, creating growing concern among mission members. It is essential that measures are taken quickly to ensure a safe and timely withdrawal from Kidal, in order to protect the lives and integrity of Minusma personnel.