cloud of uncertainty

The end of the UN’s mission Minusma in Mali?

By Flore Monteau

Reserved for subscribers

Posted on May 17, 2023 11:54

© German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius receives an explanation of the different troop deployment capabilities at the Bundeswehr field camp, Camp Castor in Gao on 13 April 2023. MICHAEL KAPPELER/dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP — German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius receives an explanation of the different troop deployment capabilities at the Bundeswehr field camp, Camp Castor in Gao on 13 April 2023. MICHAEL KAPPELER/dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP

Ten years after its launch, the results of the peacekeeping mission continue to divide the country. With one month to go before the renewal of its mandate, its future remains very uncertain.

The deafening sound of vuvuzelas almost drowns out the speeches of members of the pro-Russian collective Yerewolo-Debout on the margins, gathered to demand Minusma’s departure. On 28 April, the amphitheatre of the Palais de la Culture in Bamako filled up to join the movement led by Adama Ben Diarra, known as Ben the Brain. Amidst Russian flags and “Down with Minusma” banners, a blue helmet is burning.

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime

Already a a subscriber Sign In

More Politics

© Liberia’s NEC civic & voter education agents informing eligible voters in their communities to register using Liberia’s 1st Biometric Voter Registration system on 18 March 2023 (photo: twitter)

checks & balances

Liberia ends voter registration amid cases of voter trucking and irregularities The national elections commission ended its voter registration on 11 May for the general election scheduled for 10 October. But the process was not wi...

© Ani Kayode Somtochukwu author of ‘And Then He Sang a Lullaby’

revolutionary literature

Nigeria: Cassava Republic presents ‘And Then He Sang a Lullaby’ Twice a month, we bring you an excerpt from a book to be published by the Nigeria-based Cassava Republic, a renowned publisher on the continent, leadi...

General Sadiba Koulibaly (L) and Mamady Doumbouya (R), president of the transition ©JA Montage: John Wessels/AFP -All rights reserved.

musical chairs

Guinea: Mamadi Doumbouya and Sadiba Koulibaly’s divorce is final In early May, the president of the Guinean transition abruptly dismissed his army’s chief of staff. This decision revealed the heavy tension at the hi...

Moussa Faki Mahamat (1st L), Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Azali Assoumani (C), Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and Comoros’ President look at a photo exhibition during the 60th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU), at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on May 25, 2023.

new cold war?

Africa must not become ‘geostrategic battleground’ warns AU Africa must not become a “geostrategic battleground” for global powers, as it grapples with several threats to its own peace and security, African Uni...