Faced with rising tensions and the risk of armed clashes, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma) made the decision to leave its camp in Kidal, in the north of the country. This evacuation, which took place on Tuesday October 31, follows the request expressed by the Malian junta to see Minusma leave the country by the end of the year.
The security situation in Mali has deteriorated considerably in recent months, with an upsurge in violence in the region. Armed separatist groups as well as jihadists have taken up arms again against the central state, leading to growing instability in the country. In this context, Minusma has accelerated its withdrawal from its bases, including that of Kidal, considered a major issue in the battle for control of the territory.
The town of Kidal is currently under the control of predominantly Tuareg armed groups, who are opposed to Minusma handing over its camps to the national authorities. These armed groups, which had nevertheless signed a ceasefire and a peace agreement with the government in 2014 and 2015, resumed hostilities following the announcement of the imminent departure of the UN mission. For their part, the Malian soldiers also deployed reinforcements in Kidal, with the aim of regaining control of the city.
The departure of Minusma from Kidal is part of a gradual disengagement of the peace mission in Mali. Indeed, the junta in power since 2020 has requested the departure of Minusma, accusing the latter of “failure” and “instrumentalization” of human rights. This request was supported by the UN Security Council last June, which set a deadline of December 31 for the end of the Minusma mission.
However, the withdrawal of Minusma turns out to be a complex and delicate operation, in particular because of the persistent tensions between the junta and the UN mission. Minusma faces obstructions in its travel, notably with unissued flight authorizations, which forces it to travel by road exposed to attacks by jihadists. In addition, Minusma had to destroy certain equipment because it could not take it away, which demonstrates the difficulties encountered in its disengagement.
The departure of Minusma from Kidal thus marks a turning point in the security situation in Mali, with a possible resumption of control of the city by armed separatist groups or by the regular army. This development, however, raises concerns about the ability to maintain stability and security in this already unstable region. It remains to be seen what consequences this withdrawal will have for the future of Mali and its quest for peace and security.