The EUTM Mali mission will be more robust

(BRUXELLES2) Accelerated planning, budget (*) doubled (around 12 million euros), increased staff, accelerated planning, early deployment... the course of events in Mali (attack by rebels from the north then French counter-offensive and Mali) had a direct effect on the preparation of the ongoing EUTM Mali mission. Admittedly, this mission has a medium-term aim (rebuilding the Malian army) but the new political and military deal forced a reaction.

Reprofiling of training

Thus the ambassadors of the COPS today (January 15), the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in the coming days (Thursday January 17) should endorse its modifications. The objective of the mission is not changed. We can speak more of a reprofiling of both its forces and the training provided. The head of mission, the French general François Lecointre should be present in the Malian capital quickly (by Sunday), with a small planning team, in order to refine all the details of the operations with the Malian authorities...

Stronger membership and strength

According to the information received by B2, in the proposal which will be discussed by the COPS ambassadors, the staff of EUTM Mali could be increased and closer to 500 people than 200 or 300 people as envisaged in the first version. In addition to the 200-250 trainers, various command and liaison elements will be added. The protection force will also be more robust, with a strength of one company (between 120 and 150 men). Medical support will be reinforced - with a real "role 2" (field hospital) deployed, perhaps in Segou or Bamako. The means of information and communication will also be boosted. At least ten countries will participate directly in the mission (with personnel and equipment). The sequel on the B2 club

(*) To this common budget must be added the budget (opex) for each of the contributing countries