The UN Security Council decided today in a resolution to end the decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali, following the sudden demand two weeks ago by the West African country’s military junta that the 13,000-strong peacekeeping force leave “without delay”. The termination of the business, known as MINUSMAcomes after years of tensions and government restrictions that have hampered peaceful air and ground operations since Mali began working with the Russian mercenary group Wagner in 2021.

The 15-member Security Council approved its draft resolution of France asking the mission to begin on Saturday “the cessation of its operations, the transfer of its equipment, as well as the orderly reduction of its troops and the safe withdrawal of its personnel, with the aim of completing the process by December 31, 2023” .

UN peacekeepers are playing a vital role in protecting civilians from an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands. Some experts fear the security situation could worsen once the mission leaves, leaving Mali’s under-equipped army with only about 1,000 Wagner fighters to fight the militants who control parts of the territory in the desert north and center.

The Security Council resolution authorizes MINUSMA to respond – “within its immediate area” – to immediate threats of violence against civilians and to contribute to the safe, civilian-led delivery of humanitarian aid until 30 September.

Requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to work with the Malian authorities to draw up a plan for the transfer of MINUSMA’s tasks and present it to the Security Council until August 15. Calls on Mali to cooperate fully with the UN during the withdrawal of MINUSMA.

Mali’s foreign minister, Abdelaziz Diop, in calling for MINUSMA to leave, told the Security Council earlier this month that there was a “crisis of trust” between the UN mission and the Malian authorities.

Until 31 December MINUSMA is mandated to provide security for UN personnel, facilities, convoys, facilities and equipment, to conduct operations to remove UN personnel and humanitarian workers at risk and to provides discharges for medical reasons.

Mali is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency that took root after an uprising in 2012. The UN Security Council deployed MINUSMA in 2013 to support foreign and local efforts to restore stability. Frustration over growing insecurity prompted two coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021.