Only the name of the mission and the leadership will change. Germany will still be providing a contingent of up to 150 soldiers for the international peace mission in Mali. The German Bundestag has already approved the Cabinet motion on the involvement of the Bundeswehr.

Mali has been going through a major crisis since early 2012. The international community has taken on the job of supporting Mali’s government in its war on Islamist forces. Although the security situation in the north of the country has improved significantly since January this year, the situation is far from stable. Even if the Islamist terrorist groups in the north of the country are weakened by the French operation, they are still a threat to the stability of the country.

Third mandate in 2013

In February this year, the German Bundestag approved two mandates for the mission in Mali. Germany is providing engineering instructors and medical services for the European training mission in Mali.
The second vote in the German Bundestag was on support for France and the African states in their fight again Islamist forces in Mali. This mandate focused on providing logistical support for the AFISMA mission with Transall aircraft and mid-air refuelling services.
Neither mandate entailed a combat role for German soldiers.

Core mandate of the mission unchanged

The new United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) will take over the authority from the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) on 1 July 2013 for an initial period of one year. Although air transport and mid-air refuelling will still be core elements of this new mission for the Bundeswehr, in future German troops will also be assigned to leadership and liaison activities or as staff officers.

The goal – a sovereign Malian government

A total of up to 11,200 soldiers and 1,440 police officers are to be involved in the mission. A maximum of 150 soldiers will come from Germany. The peace mission still aims to stabilise Mali and restore the authority of the government. It is to be enabled to govern the country again and protect its people.

Comprehensive assistance for Mali

With its involvement in the Mali mission, Germany accepts its responsibility within the framework of the United Nations, and underlines its strong position within this alliance. But it is not only military aid that is important.

The German government resumed development cooperation with Mali in 2013. Germany thus aims to help improve the living conditions of the Malian people, and consolidate the country in the long term.