You have surely heard about it: the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma) is preparing to leave the country definitively by December 31. However, due to security reasons, the mission decided to hasten its departure from the city of Kidal for the end of October, more precisely on Monday 30 or Tuesday 31. But unfortunately, the flight authorizations for the planes responsible for transporting the personnel are either refused or granted sparsely. A situation that causes a lot of concern within the mission.
Indeed, on Saturday October 28, the Malian army’s Air Operations Coordination Center only granted flight authorization to one Minusma plane and helicopter out of around twenty requests. This made it possible to repatriate some of the mission’s staff to Gao, the main city in northern Mali. However, many mission workers are still stuck in Kidal and hope to be able to leave before the scheduled deadline of October 31.
Initially, the peacekeeper camp in Kidal was scheduled to close in mid-November. However, the security situation has become tense in the region. The rebels who control the city want to take possession of the place or at least prevent the Malian army from accessing it. For their part, the regular troops would like the Blue Helmets to wait for their arrival before leaving.
Minusma therefore finds itself caught in the crossfire and seeks to organize a secure withdrawal of its forces to Kidal. Denied or limited flight authorizations further complicate this delicate operation.
This situation raises concerns about the safety of Minusma personnel in Kidal. It is essential that all parties concerned quickly reach an agreement to allow a safe departure before the deadline of October 31.
In this context, it is essential to closely monitor developments in the situation in Kidal and to stay informed of the decisions that will be taken by Minusma and the Malian authorities. The stability of Mali and the security of mission personnel are important issues for the international community and require particular attention.