“The journey of the last Minusma convoy between Kidal and Gao: a journey strewn with obstacles and dangers”
In a context of persistent insecurity in Mali, the last convoy of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma) was forced to reach the town of Gao from Kidal by road. A perilous operation which highlighted the challenges faced by peacekeepers on a daily basis.
Started on October 31, this convoy made up of 150 vehicles was forced to cover the 352 km that separate Kidal from Gao in a week, when it could normally have been done in a single day. This exceptionally long duration is largely explained by the precarious security conditions, which forced Minusma officials to reduce the speed of the convoy.
The main reason why the land convoy was favored rather than an airlift is the refusal of the Malian authorities to grant the necessary authorizations for the use of the planes. Minusma therefore had to make do with the means at hand, mobilizing inadequate and unarmored vehicles. Unfortunately, the latter have proven vulnerable to attacks and mines on the roads.
Indeed, throughout the journey, the peacekeepers had to face a series of attacks. On several occasions, vehicles hit mines, causing injuries to peacekeepers. A total of six mine attacks were recorded, resulting in 26 injuries, some in serious condition. These tragic events highlight the need to improve the security of Minusma convoys and the need for increased cooperation between local authorities and the peacekeeping force.
In addition to the dangers linked to insecurity, the passengers of the convoy had to face logistical and material challenges. Given the desert conditions, it was essential to ration water and food to avoid waste. Despite the fatigue accumulated during this journey, the 850 members of the convoy were finally able to reach Gao, the main urban center in northern Mali. Relief was mixed with apprehension of what awaited them in the future.
This epic tale of the last Minusma convoy between Kidal and Gao highlights the challenges facing the peacekeepers in their peacekeeping mission in Mali. Security, logistical and material obstacles make this work complex and dangerous. It is therefore essential to strengthen security measures, improve transport infrastructure and increase cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of peacekeepers in their crucial mission.