Addis Ababa, November 16, 2022 (Walta) – Côte d’Ivoire has announced the gradual withdrawal of its troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali by August 2023, a decision that comes against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Abidjan and Bamako for several months.
“By order of the government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Permanent Mission confirms the gradual withdrawal of Ivorian military and police personnel deployed in the UN Mission in Mali,” said a letter from the Permanent Mission of Côte d’Ivoire to the UN.
“The rotation of the protection company based in Mopti as well as the deployment of staff officers and police officers planned for October and November 2022 respectively can no longer be carried out,” the text continues.
The Ivorian army did not confirm whether these rotations had indeed already been interrupted.
Côte d’Ivoire also said that the soldiers and other elements present in the Minusma will not be relieved in August 2023, according to AFP.