# Egyptian Peacekeepers exit Mali

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/09/egyptian-peacekeepers-exit-mali/
- Published: 2023-09-06T08:40:02+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

In a significant development, over 460 peacekeepers hailing from the Egyptian combat
and convoy escort battalion of MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali) bid farewell to the city of Gao, located in northern
Mali, on Friday, July 28.

This moment marked the conclusion of their commendable mission, which spanned over
a year and encompassed various challenging tasks.

Throughout their tenure, these peacekeepers carried out convoy escorts from Gao 
to Tessalit, navigating the intricate routes that took them through Kidal and Aguelhok.
Their journey was fraught with peril as they encountered an increased threat from
improvised explosive devices employed by armed terrorist groups operating in the
region.

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> [MINUSMA begins exiting Mali, close camps](https://www.military.africa/2023/08/minusma-begins-exiting-mali-close-camps/)

Their missions, executed with unwavering commitment, played a pivotal role in securing
logistical convoys and safeguarding civilians in a volatile environment. Beyond 
their core responsibilities, the Egyptian Blue Helmets engaged in a multitude of
civil-military activities.

These endeavors included distributing essential supplies such as food and school
materials, providing thousands of items to those in need, and offering free medical
consultations to assist the most vulnerable members of the local population.

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It’s noteworthy that the departure of the Egyptian peacekeepers had been planned
well in advance of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2690, which marked
a significant turning point for MINUSMA.

This resolution outlined the conclusion of the mission, aligning with the overarching
goal of [achieving Mali’s definitive withdrawal. ](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/mali-demands-end-to-minusma-the-way-forward/)
In the coming days, peacekeepers from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Bangladesh
contingents are also set to depart Mali as peripheral camps in Ogossagou, Goundam,
Ber, and Menaka are shuttered. These actions are integral to the comprehensive troop
withdrawal slated for completion by December.

The recent call for the [withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission by Mali’s](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/mali-demands-end-to-minusma-the-way-forward/)
Foreign Minister highlights the perceived limitations of MINUSMA and the strained
relationship between Mali’s military rulers and the international community.

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The imposition of operational restrictions on peacekeepers by Mali’s military leaders
and the rupture of Mali’s longstanding alliance with former colonial power France
underscore the challenges faced by the mission.

France, which had maintained a significant presence in Mali for over a decade, withdrew
its troops in August 2022, citing disputes over Malian airspace violations and the
presence of [Russian mercenaries linked to the Wagner Group.](https://www.military.africa/2023/07/us-sanctions-malian-military-leadership-for-wagner-ties/)

Similarly, Germany suspended its operations and [commenced a withdrawal ](https://www.military.africa/2023/05/germany-begins-pulling-out-troops-from-mali/)
after [Mali denied flyover rights to Berlin’s airborne forces.](https://www.military.africa/2022/11/mali-juntan-clips-german-military-drone-wings/)

The ongoing [withdrawal process of the United Nations Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)](https://www.military.africa/2023/08/minusma-begins-exiting-mali-close-camps/)
aligns with the request made by Malian authorities for the mission to exit by December
31 of this year. This intricate process involves the redeployment of peacekeepers
and essential equipment, alongside the formal handover of established camps to Malian
civilian authorities.

Notably, MINUSMA has successfully [closed three camps](https://www.military.africa/2023/08/minusma-begins-exiting-mali-close-camps/)
at Ogossagou, Ber, and Goundam, marking substantial progress in its withdrawal plan
while adhering to UN protocols and regulations. This transition signifies a pivotal
moment in the evolving landscape of peacekeeping efforts in Mali.

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