The Irish government has decided to “substantially reduce” the number of peacekeepers in Mali, writes The Journal on March 22.
Currently, the Irish Army continues to participate in the mission to train the local army, the mission is called EUTM Mali. Ireland stopped participating in the UN Minusma peacekeeping mission earlier.
In total, 34 members of the Irish Defense Forces took part in two missions, of which 20 were in formation. Now their number will be further reduced.
“Under this new mission configuration, Ireland is reducing its contribution to eight people. Previously, the mission included 20 Defense Forces servicemen, and then their number was reduced to 14.— said the representative of the Irish Ministry of Defense.
It should be noted that all Irish troops will be stationed at the mission headquarters in Bamako.
According to the publication, the reduction of the peacekeeping forces is associated with a diplomatic dispute between the local authorities and the EU authorities due to the activity of the Russian forces in the region.
Recall that the European Union imposed sanctions on the Russian PMC Wagner for its activities in Central Africa, Sudan and Mali. The Russian army is accused of human rights violations. Specifically, in Mali, sanctions were imposed against the local commander of the PMC forces.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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