The deployment of the Bundeswehr in Mali is proving to be more and more of a problem for Germany, because the local military government is again refusing overflight permits for the Airbus A400M transport aircraft. As a result, German bases in Mali can no longer be reached.

The Bundeswehr Operations Command informed the Defense Committee of the Bundestag that the supply and rescue chain for the minus ma contingent can no longer be guaranteed. Allegedly, the military government of Mali did not provide any further justification for refusing the overflight permits.

Germany is taking part in a blue helmet mission in Mali. This was actually sent to ensure peace in crisis-ridden Mali and to stabilize the country. However, the local military government sees things differently and wants to get rid of the UN troops, which have had around 2013 soldiers stationed there since 1.400. The mission is perceived by the military of Mali as an occupation. Conversely, Germany claims that the Bundeswehr would be harassed on the ground.

The junta is issuing increasingly restrictive restrictions and has, for example, ordered the evacuation of a part of Bamako airport previously used by a UN base. For example, the property belonging to Sahel Aviation Services had to be handed over to the government in a “swept clean” state within three days. About two weeks ago, the regular rotation of soldiers in minus contingents was prohibited. In the short term, this is of secondary importance for Germany, since the next exchange is not planned until the end of September/beginning of October 2022.

Kremlin could interpret withdrawal from Germany as weakness

In the meantime, France has decided to end its presence in Mali and withdraw its soldiers. FDP military spokesman Alexander Müller described this as "outcomplied". The politician is of the opinion that Mali's military government also wants to persuade the German Bundeswehr to withdraw.

The usefulness of the mission in Mali has been the subject of heated debate within the federal government for some time. A possible withdrawal was an issue, at least in the short term, but the issue quickly disappeared from the public eye. It was not until May 2022 that the Bundestag gave the green light to extend participation in the MINUSMA mission. There is a possibility of early withdrawal if the safety of the soldiers could be endangered.

The German government is currently striving to maintain its presence in Mali, as the military government that took power in May 2021 has been accused of pursuing pro-Russian policies. A withdrawal could be interpreted in the Kremlin as a sign of weakness, which is why Germany is sticking to the mission, at least for the time being. The supply is no longer guaranteed due to the flight ban, which is why it is quite possible that this position could be re-evaluated in the near future.