The European Union finally closed the military training mission in Mali, its last participants left the country on Saturday.
This was announced by the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, writes “European Truth” .
Borrell reported on his X (Twitter) that the EU training mission ended its activities in Mali on Saturday, May 18 and all its participants left the African country.
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The EU Training mission in Mali terminated yesterday. All the personnel operating under the EU flag have left the country.
I pay tribute to all the military staff for their great effort in training over 20,000 Malian Armed Forces, providing advisory & education courses. 1/3
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 19, 2024
He thanked the participating military personnel, noting that more than 20,000 Malian army soldiers have gone through the training.
“The EUTM mission in Mali supported the Malian armed forces and the combined G5 Sahel force, helping Mali's developing security and defense forces fight terrorism. That mission has ended, but we remain focused on the Sahel and will strengthen cooperation with the Gulf of Guinea countries,” – said Josep Borrell.
He noted that after the military coups in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, the terrorist forces in the region have strengthened, and the new security actors cannot adequately oppose them.
“The channels of dialogue and cooperation remain open for those who want to cooperate with the EU”, – Borrell added.
The EU Training Mission in Mali has been operating since 2013 and was aimed at helping the Malian authorities build up the army to be able to carry out operations and counter terrorist groups. In addition, EUTM Mali provided support to the joint forces of five countries in the region. Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad.
In March 2020, the EU Council extended the mission's mandate until May 18, 2024 and expanded the mission's area of activity to the entire territory of the African country.
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In the same year, a military coup took place in Mali, the new government turned its back on cooperation with Western countries, and instead began to cooperate with the Russian PVK “Wagner”.