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MINUSMA flights temporarily suspended in Mali. A new grain of sand in the cogs of operations (v2)

(B2) MINUSMA has suspended its flights over Mali. A temporary decision, but which intervenes in a particular context.

The drones of the UN mission are grounded (Photo: Minusma)

First decision of the new head of mission

Two days after taking office (January 14), the new commander of MINUSMA, Dutch General Kees Matthijssen, decided to temporarily suspend flights linked to the mission. Until " that the mission receives the authorization of the governmental authorities “, according to an email dated Sunday (January 16), disclosed by VOA, Voice of Africa. These flights mainly concern the airline between Bamako and the north of the country.

This decision comes a week after the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS vis-à-vis the military junta in power in Mali. And just days after Mali accused France of violating its airspace (read: Mali denounces the violation of its territory by a French plane. The minister kicks in touch).

A measure confirmed by Germany

The information was relayed during the press briefing of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (January 17), reports our colleague Thomas Wiegold from Augen Geradeaus!. When questioned, the Bundeswehr spokesman first kicked into touch. It was the spokeswoman for the ministry who took over, citing many suspended flights. Flights concerning medical evacuations are not affected by this measure, she said. On the other hand, it also concerns drone missions. At present, therefore, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) missions cannot be carried out by German Heron 1 drones.

Unblock the situation

Negotiations were conducted to restore the flights. The United Nations and the staff of the MINUSMA discussed with the Malian authorities, indicates the spokesperson of the ministry, without advancing further. On January 20, MINUSMA announced in a press release the resumption of flights “ following a series of fruitful discussions with the Malian authorities ».

(Update) Resumption of flights following negotiations between the various parties.

(Update) in concrete terms, a German A400M which was en route to Niger on Wednesday (January 19) had to turn back and return to the Canary Islands, due to Mali's refusal to authorize the overflight of its territory.

(Helen Chachaty, with Thomas Wiegold in Berlin)

Read also: The air embargo against Mali not respected by Air France, Turkey and Ethiopian Airlines

Updated January 19, 20 p.m.

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