“Force protection” for EUTM Mali: the French will not be alone (Maj3)
(BRUSSELS2 to Dublin - exclusive) The French will not be alone in ensuring the "force protection" of the European trainers deployed in Mali (EUTM Mali). Nothing is official yet. But...
Two countries (Czech Republic and Spain) indicated that they could, subject to certain adaptations, provide this force protection. An essential point, as recalled by the French Minister of Defence, Jean-Yves Le Drian. It is important that " the French are not alone in performing this function (which is one of the most visible of the mission) he explained to his counterparts during his speech on Tuesday evening (*).
No new force generation meeting
A participant in the meeting confirmed this lead to B2, indicating that it would probably not be necessary to convene a new force generation conference. THE " last issues that can be resolved within the week ". And the launch decision then taken on February 18 (as planned). On the European side, we seem more reserved, however... And we are waiting for confirmation for the "Medevac" part (medical evacuation).
Device of "force protection"
The Czechs, who have announced that they have capabilities available to the head of mission, General Lecointre, could put about 30 military. They should do the first six months confirmed Vlastimil Picek, the Czech Deputy Minister of Defence, before being replaced by trainers for the second period of the following six months. " The mission in Mali remains a training mission and our soldiers will not actively participate in hostilities " did he declare. A commitment that aroused the strong thanks of General Lecointre.
The Spaniards would also be ready to move, even if it means redeploying certain soldiers within the limit of 50 personnel authorized by the (Spanish) Congress. The Secretary General for Defence, Alejandro Alvargonzález, who represented the minister (on an official trip to Indonesia) confirmed to my Spanish colleagues from EFE that a about thirty of soldiers would ensure the "protection force".
The Protection Force is divided into two geographical sectors where the European trainers and experts will be located. Some could be based in Bamako, the Malian capital (especially Czechs). And others (mainly French) at Koulikoro camp, about 60 km northeast of Bamako, near the Niger River. According to the rules of engagement, this "protection force" will have weapons as well as light armored vehicles. But will only be able to use these weapons in the event of "self-defense" or proven risk. It will also only have the function of protecting the European establishments (in Bamako or Koulikoro), the trainers during their training work (in order to avoid possible "green on blue" attacks) or their travels. And will not participate in the fighting currently being waged in the north. There is therefore no "mentoring" activity planned.
Medical support
Medical support for the mission (medical team and field hospital - Role 1 / 2) should be provided by German soldiers (at least 20 people), who will ensure Role 2 in Koulikoro, with Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian elements ( who will play Role 1 in Bamako).
(*) The French minister had to leave Dublin a little earlier than planned to go to Asia (India). And the subject "Mali" was therefore approached as a precursor during the evening "capacities" session.
(Update) Details on the Czech and Spanish workforce. And confirmation of the two capitals of the information given first on B2
