On Wednesday, the European Union decided not to renew the mandate of its military Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali beyond May 18, 2024, citing the “evolving political and security situation,” reported Euractiv, quoting the Commission’s statement.
The West African country has been run by juntas since two successive coups that rocked the country in 2020 and 2021, with the military vowing to give over power via the ballot box in February.
However, they have postponed elections to a later date, citing unstable security environment exacerbated by Islamist assaults and tension.
“In the 11 years of presence in Mali, EUTM Mali has supported, at the request of the authorities, the Malian Armed Forces, as well as the G5 Sahel Joint Force, contributing to the fight against the terrorist threat, through the development of Malian security and defense forces,” it added.
The EUTM was dispatched to train and advise forces, and it initially included up to 700 soldiers from 20 European nations, but was substantially reduced later.