Doubts arise about future role of Defence Forces in troubled Mali mission

Irish defence planners are increasingly doubtful about the Republic’s future participation in the European Union mission in Mali.

The Defence Forces have been a participant in the EU Training Mission (EUTM) in the west African country since 2013, which aims to build up the capacity of Mali’s armed forces. About 20 Defence Forces troops serve on the mission at any one time, providing bomb disposal, combat and human rights training.

Logistical and security challenges, combined with concerns about human rights violations alleged to have been carried out by the Malian armed forces, are causing significant concern at EU level and among troop-contributing countries including the Republic.

There is also the concern of “reputational” damage to the EU if Malian forces trained by the EUTM fall under the control of Russian mercenaries who have recently been employed by the Malian government.

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The Department of Defence said that there are “no plans to end the DF participation in the EU training Mission in Mali”. It said the Republic regards the EUTM as an important part of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy “and, at least for the moment, we remain committed to it”.

However, defence sources said the Republic’s future participation is in the balance due to various concerns. The withdrawal of France’s military from the country due to tensions with the Malian government has led to a more precarious security situation and has increased logistical difficulties for EUTM troop-contributing countries, especially small states.

There have also been multiple allegations of Malian troops, including some believed to have been trained by the EUTM, engaging in the abuse of civilians. Last March, Malian troops and members of the Russian mercenary group Wagner were alleged to have massacred up to 300 civilians in the village of Moura. The Malian government praised it as a successful anti-insurgent operation and denied wrongdoing.

Following the incident, EUTM Mali significantly scaled back its military training role. Irish troops, along with other EUTM members, were no longer tasked with providing training to the military but have continued to train Malian police forces.

The EU last month published a review of the mission which found the “political and security situation in Mali continues to degrade”. In particular, it was concerned about “reputational risk due to Malian defence and security forces trained by the EU falling under the control or engaging along of Russia-affiliated forces, as it had been observed in the centre of the country”.

Recent events

The department said it has noted the intention of other countries to reduce or end their participation in the EUTM in light of recent events. “Ireland will continue to assess the situation with a view to determining whether we can or should maintain our current level of commitment to the mission.”

It said the department, along with the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs, is “participating fully” in the discussions arising from the EUTM review.

Separately, the Republic is continuing with its scheduled plans to end its participation in the UN mission in the north of Mali. Minusma, which is aimed at stabilising the region and countering violent insurgent groups, is considered the most dangerous UN mission in operation.

The Defence Forces contribute about 14 troops to Minusma which are mostly drawn from the Army Ranger Wing, a special forces unit. Their last tour is scheduled to conclude in September. There had been discussions about extending the mission using conventional Army troops but it is understood that this is no longer being considered.