The United Nations mission aimed at stabilizing Mali is set to officially conclude as the new year begins, marking the end of a decade-long commitment to the nation.
The last troops have returned to their bases, and the UN mission has closed its final camp in Timbuktu in recent days.
The official closing ceremony took place on December 11 in the capital, Bamako.
The “Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali” (MINUSMA), established in 2013, played a crucial role in supporting political processes and security-related tasks in this West African nation.
However, Mali’s military government requested the withdrawal of all UN peacekeeping forces, totaling 12,000 soldiers, in June of the previous year.
This decision came as Bamako sought to strengthen its cooperation with Russia.
The international community, led by the UN Security Council, has taken steps to conclude the mission, but the withdrawal of some armed forces was influenced by the military coup that occurred in neighboring Niger in July.
The conclusion of the UN mission signifies a new phase for Mali, which has been grappling with political instability and security challenges for years.
The nation now faces the task of charting its path toward peace and stability independently.
