Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
33. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans that are in place or under discussion for the role of the Defence Forces in Mali, particularly given the volatile and mutable nature of the security situation in the wider Sahel region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/23]
View answerIrish Defence Forces' personnel are currently deployed in the European Union Training Mission Mali (EUTM Mali).
Ireland has participated in EUTM Mali since its launch in 2013. Government has approved the mandate for the deployment of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUTM Mali up to 23 March 2023.
Following the decision of EU Member States in April 2022 to temporarily suspend the provision of operational training to formed units of the Malian armed forces and National Guard, the number of Defence Force personnel serving with the mission was reduced during the year in line with reduced training requirements in the mission from twenty to fourteen.
The EUTM Mali mission is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. EUTM Mali complements other EU projects and activities carried out in the context of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.
Ireland remains committed to EUTM Mali, notwithstanding the continuing deterioration in the political and security situation. However, in line with the overall reduction in the size of the mission, we have reduced our presence and that is likely to reduce further later in the spring. The sustainability of EUTM Mali itself may come into question depending on assessment of the long-term feasibility of fulfilling the mission's strategic objectives.
Irelands participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) concluded in September 2022. From September 2019 to September 2022 Defence Forces personnel served as part of a joint deployment with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO and at MINUSMA HQ in Bamako, where they carried out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. Following an original two-year commitment, we subsequently agreed to extend our commitment for a third year, at the end of which Ireland's participation came to a planned conclusion.
The deployment of Defence Forces personnel to all overseas missions is subject to ongoing review, particularly in relation to the safety and security of Irish personnel. That applies to the Defence Forces' participation in EUTM Mali.
