MALI (MINUSMA)

Background

The landlocked country of Mali, once a French colony and a cultural hub of West Africa, was overrun in January 2012 by a coalition of Tuareg and terrorist groups moving south towards the capital of Bamako. After unsuccessful joint efforts by the African Union and France to resolve the conflict, the UN Security Council authorized the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to deploy in July 2013 to help stabilize Mali and assist the country’s return to constitutional order.

The mission monitors the implementation of ceasefire agreements, facilitates political reconciliation, assists in the integration of displaced persons, deliver humanitarian assistance and works alongside Malian authorities to foster and protect human rights.

How MINUSMA Supports U.S. Interests

  • Prevents the spread of terror groups

    Extremists like ISIS, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram have a significant presence in the Sahel region, and without the efforts of the UN and the international community, these groups could cause further chaos, supporting smuggling operations and using the area as a base to conduct additional attacks in the region or further afield. While Mali is by no means completely secure today, MINUSMA has played an important role in minimizing the potential threats without putting Americans in harm’s way.

  • Promotes free and fair elections

    During Mali’s elections, MINUSMA’s security presence has limited the spread of violence. MINUSMA provided technical and logistical support to the government, including the transportation of election materials and 1,840 electoral personnel–including some candidates–to the center and northern regions of Mali. The UN also trained poll workers, worked on voter outreach and public education campaigns, and facilitated town halls with a focus on increasing women’s participation in the electoral process.

  • Limits risk to Americans serving overseas

    The U.S. does not typically contribute many service members to UN peacekeeping missions –  there are only some 50 U.S. troops currently deployed across 13 different missions – but approximately half of those 50 are attached to MINUSMA in some way. The presence of that many U.S. service members delivers a strong message about strategic interests the U.S. places on stabilizing Mali and preventing a return to the widespread chaos that necessitated the establishment of the mission.

Budget

While the U.S. is the largest single contributor to the UN’s peacekeeping budget at 28% or $1.8 billion of the total budget, other UN member states pay the vast majority of costs and contribute 99% of the nearly 90,000 troops. Provided below is a percentage breakdown of the cost of each mission and the U.S. contribution to MINUSMA.

 

Against All Odds: Inside the UN’s Fight to Rebuild Mali

Watch this video series for a behind-the-scenes look at MINUSMA

MINUSMA: Here is what you need to know MINUSMA: Here is what you need to know

MINUSMA: Here is what you need to know

When UN Peacekeeping arrived in Mali, the country was in chaos. Extremists had overrun towns and villages int the north of the country, threatening to take over the capital. Through a peace agreement supported by the UN, Mali is slowly working its way back from the brink.

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What do a farm in Mali and UN Peacekeeping have in common? What do a farm in Mali and UN Peacekeeping have in common?

What do a farm in Mali and UN Peacekeeping have in common?

UN Peacekeeping troops do a lot more than patrol the streets–they also work with the community to implement projects that make a difference. In Mali, that means supporting a local farm that provides employment opportunities and helps stimulate economic growth.

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Why is the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali so dangerous? Why is the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali so dangerous?

Why is the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali so dangerous?

As United Nations missions become more complex, so do the threats. In this piece, an attack at the Timbuktu airport in Mali highlights the devastating dangers United Nations Peacekeeping troops face.

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How the UN is soaring to new heights in Mali How the UN is soaring to new heights in Mali

How the UN is soaring to new heights in Mali

The strength of UN Peacekeeping missions is countries coming together to harness their skills and expertise in the pursuit of peace. In Mali, UN peacekeepers from Canada play a key role up in the air, using helicopters to get to hard-to-reach areas and rescue injured civilians.

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Remembering UN Peacekeeping troops in Mali Remembering UN Peacekeeping troops in Mali

Remembering UN Peacekeeping troops in Mali

Over 100 blue helmets serving with the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali have paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace.

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How UN agencies work together in Mali How UN agencies work together in Mali

How UN agencies work together in Mali

Millions of people continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance in Mali. See how United Nations Peacekeeping troops work with the World Food Programme to address the risks associated with prolonged conflict.

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Resources

Back from the Brink: How the UN is Stabilizing, Securing and Strengthening Mali

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MINUSMA Website

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Security Council Resolution 2531 (until June 30, 2021)

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