The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, confirmed, on Wednesday 26 August in Berlin, the temporary suspension of the EU missions in Mali, namely the training mission for the armed forces EUTM Mali and the mission in support of Mali's internal security capabilities EUCAP Sahel Mali, following the military coup of 18 August.
“Our missions in Mali have been put temporarily on hold because circumstances don’t allow them to continue normal activity”, he announced at the end of the informal meeting of European defence ministers in Berlin.
The missions remain in place, the troops are at their base and activities will resume “as soon as possible”, he added, recalling that the EU had invested heavily in Mali and did not want to waste these efforts.
And while EUTM Mali has trained 90% of the Malian army, Borrell said none of the four main coup leaders had been trained by it. He added that the coup had nothing to do with the training offered by the Europeans.
According to German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, whose country currently holds the rotating Presidency of the EU Council, the representatives of the 27 Member States unanimously reiterated the need for the EU to be engaged in Mali.
The High Representative condemned the coup and gave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the EU’s support to find a solution in line with the aspirations of the Malian people.
“In cooperation with ECOWAS and the African Union, we appeal to the coup leaders on the ground to start the transition process as quickly as possible, to make way for new elections and to restore constitutional order as soon as possible”, the German Minister said, adding that these conditions would also determine the continuation of European activities.
Mission operations had already been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Several members of EUTM Mali had tested positive (see EUROPE 12469/21). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)