Peacekeeping troop rotations resume in Mali
The rotation of peacekeeping troops in and out of Mali has resumed after a month’s suspension by the Malian government, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.
The rotations began Monday with a contingent from Bangladesh, said Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
No fewer than 400 soldiers from Senegal are scheduled to rotate soon.
“We welcome the coordination efforts between the Malian transitional government and our peacekeeping mission. We are also grateful to the more than 60 troops and police contributing countries for their support and commitment to peace in Mali,” said Mr Dujarric.
The suspension began on July 14, four days after the Malian government arrested 49 Cote d’Ivoire soldiers for illegally entering the country, calling them “mercenaries.”
Cote d’Ivoire said the logistical support contingent was under contract with the UN mission in Mali known as MINUSMA.
In a letter to MINUSMA, the Malian foreign ministry said that for reasons related to the national security context, the government had decided to suspend all rotations of the military and police contingent of MINUSMA.
That included those already scheduled or announced.
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