1,700 BD peacekeepers to return home from Mali by Dec

Staff Reporter :
In a significant development, approximately 1,700 Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in Mali will be returning home by December.

The decision comes as the Malian government has expressed its disagreement to continue the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country.

The Malian government would provide necessary assistance for the withdrawal, said Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Director General (Additional Charge) of Public Diplomacy Wing, while briefing the journalists at the Ministry on Thursday.

“Currently, around 1,700 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are assigned to the mission, working alongside peacekeepers from various other nations.

The MINUSMA mission aims to support the Malian government in establishing stability, providing security, and promoting peace throughout the country,” he said.

In reply to a query he said, “All the Bangladesh peacekeepers will return home directly from Mali Mission.”

Since 2013, Bangladeshi members of the Armed Forces and Police have been actively deployed as part of the peacekeeping mission in Mali, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade.
The Bangladeshi contingent, comprising both military and police personnel, has played a crucial role in the stabilisation efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The decision on the withdrawal of all peacekeepers from Mali was made following the unanimous passing of Resolution 2690 by the United Nations Security Council on June 30, 2023. This resolution terminates the mandate of MINUSMA and calls for the complete withdrawal of peacekeepers by December 31, 2023, Rafiqul Alam said.

The Malian government’s disagreement to continue the peacekeeping mission played a significant role in the resolution’s adoption. The Secretary-General of the United Nations emphasised the importance of host country consent for effective peacekeeping operations and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.

This sentiment was also echoed by the President of the Security Council, representing the United Arab Emirates, he stated.

“Apart from Bangladesh, peacekeepers from several other countries are also working in the peacekeeping mission in Mali. According to the resolution, the withdrawal of all peacekeepers assigned to the mission will be carried out,” he said.

Bangladesh, known for its active participation in UN peacekeeping missions, expressed its willingness to engage in future missions under the United Nations mandate. The nation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to global peace and security, and its peacekeepers have made valuable contributions in various conflict zones worldwide.

“Bangladesh is always prepared to participate in any future peacekeeping missions under the mandate of the United Nations,” he said.