Achtergrond bij EUTM-missie Mali (en)
Mission Background
The current political, humanitarian and security crisis in Mali creates an unacceptable situation for the country, and a grave threat for the region and for Europe
An unacceptable situation in Mali: Mali is cut into two with the emergence in the north of a base controlled by violent national and international terrorist groups and a fragile transition process under military threat in the south. Since fighting erupted in early 2012 in northern Mali, violence has forced approximately 400,000 Malians to flee their homes and further aggravated the food crisis that has affected more than 18 million people throughout the Sahel region over the last twelve months. These crises have had a severe impact on the socio-economic situation of one of the poorest countries in the World. A further deterioration of the situation would put at risk the fragile transition process in the south, weaken the state institutions, reinforce the position of separatist and extremist groups in the north and worsen the already fragile life conditions of the population
A threat for the Sahel region: The grip of national and international terrorists, djihadists and narco-traffickers over the population in the north keeps consolidating. The "sanctuarisation" of a terrorist zone, development of criminal economy, gross violations of human rights and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation are making the population increasingly vulnerable. All these developments might have a spill-over effect on neighbouring countries and compromise lasting peace and development throughout the Sahel
A threat to the European Union's overall security: The situation increases the threat to the safety of EU citizens in the Sahel (hostage-taking, attacks) as well as in Europe, notably through the influence of extremists and terrorists networks over the diasporas, training, and logistical support from Al Qaida affiliates in the north of Mali. It also threatens the EU's strategic interests, including the security of energy supply and the fight against human and drugs trafficking. European intelligence agencies have already thwarted attempted attacks on the European territory
In order to overcome these threats and address these challenges, the Malian authorities have requested the EU's support. The EU's strategic objective, as expressed in its Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel, remains the promotion of stability, connecting security, development and governance through the integrated and coordinated use of all relevant EU instruments in order to address the root causes of insecurity, underdevelopment and conflicts at local, national and regional levels. A CSDP mission is a very
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significant part of this EU global approach to restore the state's authority throughout Mali and bring a durable solution to the current crisis (see section at the end of this factsheet)
Mandate and Objectives
In line with the "EU Strategy for Development and Security in the Sahel", the EU's objective is to enable the Malian authorities to:
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a.Restore constitutional and democratic order in Mali through the implementation of a credible and consensual road map which foresees free, transparent and fair elections in 2013 and a framework for negotiations with armed groups rejecting terrorism;
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b.Re-establish the state's authority throughout the country and redeploy it effectively in a context of peace and reconciliation between communities while respecting the rule of law and human rights;
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c.Neutralize organised crime and terrorist threats
The military training mission, EUTM Mali, will specifically train and advise the Malian Armed Forces (MAF) under the control of legitimate civilian authorities, in order to contribute to restore their military capacity with a view to enabling them to engage in combat operations aiming at restoring the country's territorial integrity
This mission responds to the invitation of the Malian authorities and to the UN Security Council Resolution 2071 which calls upon regional and international partners, including the EU, to provide assistance in order to improve the capacity of the Malian Armed Force. It is only one element of a broader EU engagement in Mali and in the Sahel region
Activities
The Mission's objective will be to respond to the operational needs of the Malian Armed Forces through the provision of:
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-training support for the benefit of the Malian Armed Forces unit capabilities;
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-training and advice in command and control, logistical chain and human resources as well as on international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights
The mission will not be involved in combat operations
The headquarters is due to be in Bamako while training is to take place in a dedicated location north-east of Bamako. Initially, the mission's mandate is to last 15 months. It is planned to deploy around 200 instructors, as well as mission support staff and a force protection, making a total of around 450 staff. The common costs of the operation are estimated at €12.3 million for the mandate of 15 months
Political Control and Strategic Direction
Under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall exercise the political control and strategic direction of the EU military mission. The PSC will, at regular intervals, receive reports from the chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) regarding the conduct of the EU military mission, and will report to the Council
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Military direction
The EU Military Committee will monitor the proper execution of the EU military mission conducted under the responsibility of the Mission Commander. The chairman of the EUMC will act as the primary point of contact with the Mission Commander
The EU's comprehensive approach
The EU has a comprehensive approach to the crisis in the Sahel region. In March 2011, the Council welcomed the presentation of an EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel. This strategy is based on the assumptions that development and security are interconnected and can be mutually supportive and that the complex crisis in the Sahel requires a regional answer
In the framework of the Strategy, the EU also launched a civilian CSDP mission "EUCAP SAHEL" in July 2012 in order to contribute to the fight against crime and terrorism in Niger and abroad. Liaison Officers were deployed to Nouakchott (Mauritania) and Bamako (Mali)
The EU has allocated over € 660 million to the region under the 10th European Development Fund (2007-2013). In the framework of its Sahel strategy, the EU has further mobilised additional financial resources for development and security related projects worth € 167 million. On 10 December 2012, the Foreign Affairs Council recalled its willingness to gradually resume its development cooperation once a credible roadmap has been adopted and in light of progress in its implementation. In this respect, the EU development cooperation to Mali will be reviewed to take account of the needs of the Malian population
The Foreign Affairs Council constantly reiterated the EU's determination to support Mali in restoring constitutional order and the rule of law and re-establishing a fully sovereign democratic government with authority throughout Malian territory. The EU is committed to contributing actively to a peaceful and credible transition process in Mali and to long-lasting solutions to the security crisis in northern Mali and in the Sahel region across the board, in close coordination with other regional and international stakeholders
More Information:
EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel CSDP civilian mission "EUCAP SAHEL Niger"
Response to the food crisis and long-term food insecurity in the Sahel region of Africa Factsheet on the European Union and the Sahel