UN mission in Mali appeals for more men on the ground
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The United Nations has appealed for more troops and helicopters so its peacekeeping mission in Mali can stabilise the north of the country and protect civilians from attacks by Islamist extremist and armed groups.
The UN force assumed authority on 1 July from a UN-backed African force in Mali. But while the UN Security Council mandated a force, there are only 5,200 troops on the ground.
UN Mali envoy Bert Koenders told the UN Security Council: “The mission lacks critical enablers – such as helicopters – to facilitate rapid deployment and access to remote areas to ensure the protection of civilians. Troop generation will have to accelerate.”
The mission was dealt a blow by the withdrawal in August of some 1,200 Nigerian troops. Tuareg separatists and Islamist rebels seized three northern regions last year as the government disintegrated following a March 2012 coup.
A successful seven-month-old campaign by France to destroy the Islamist enclave has killed hundreds of fighters linked to al-Qa’ida.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments