The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has turned into a long, dangerous, and unpredictable PKO. By April 2022, MINUSMA forces suffered 275 confirmed fatalities (United Nations Peacekeeping, 2022). Initially established in April 2013 to assist transitional authorities of Mali, the mission was charged with such duties as support of political dialogue and protection of civilians (United Nations Peacekeeping, 2022). However, the achievement of these goals is currently under serious threat, as the central and northern regions of the country are still occupied by jihadist groups (Lyammouri, 2022). More importantly, MINUSMA activities are severely hindered by the ruling military junta that staged a successful coup in May 2021. In particular, the junta has adopted an aggressive populist strategy that prioritizes violent raids against alleged terrorist forces instead of dialogue and gradual reconciliation (Lyammouri, 2022). The potential civilian casualties and escalation of hostilities do not concern the Malian junta as long as the brutal approach wins political support in the government-controlled territories (Lyammouri, 2022). As a result, the MINUSMA forces are currently pushed away from the peacekeeping process due to the aggressive political stance taken by the Malian regime.
As the UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA does not have the mandate to overthrow the government, even if it actively disrupts the mandated peacekeeping process. Therefore, the UN and MINUSMA should utilize the only leverage they have available in the current situation — negotiations. In particular, the PKO leadership should try to convince the junta that violence breeds opposition to the regime and makes local populations more inclined to join the armed resistance. Consequently, the junta may lose its power as quickly as it took it since the MINUSMA mandate does not include saving the military regime, collapsing due to its own faults. As such, the only viable long-term solution for the Malian government is cooperation with MINUSMA. In the end, pacification and reconciliation would help the junta to keep the political power, which is its obvious goal. Whereas this outcome may be considered suboptimal for the country, a compromise with the current Malian government is necessary to continue MINUSMA peacekeeping activities. Otherwise, the country will likely relapse into an even bloodier conflict, and the MINUSMA may be remembered as a complete failure.
References
Lyammouri, R. (2022).Despite constraints, MINUSMA remains the legitimate international partner to Mali. IPI Global Observatory.
United Nations Peacekeeping. (2022). MINUSMA fact sheet.