Mali’s junta declared on Sunday that it will leave a West African anti-jihadist organization after being denied the presidency of the group.
The country’s expulsion from the G5 Sahel security force adds to its isolation, which began in January when its neighbors imposed sanctions over perceived delays in restoring civilian authority.
Mali’s diplomatic relations with western allies, including former colonial power France, have worsened as well, particularly in light of the country’s recent reconciliation with Russia.
Political instability and human rights breaches in Mali and Burkina Faso, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, are harming anti-jihadist efforts in the Sahel, and he has asked for civilian control to be restored as quickly as possible.
The junta in Mali, on the other hand, maintains it is a victim of politicking.
“The government of Mali has decided to withdraw from all G5 Sahel organizations and bodies, including the combined force” fighting jihadists, according to a statement released by Bamako.
“Manoeuvres by a state outside the area attempting frantically to isolate Mali are linked to the resistance of some G5 Sahel member nations to Mali’s presidency,” it continued, without naming that country.
The G5 Sahel, which includes Mauritania, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger, was established in 2014, and an anti-jihadist force was added in 2017.
The G5 chiefs of state were due to convene in Bamako in February to see Mali take over the chairmanship, but the meeting “has still not taken place,” according to the junta.
Other West African countries have imposed sanctions on Mali as a result of the military’s choice to hold power following multiple coups.
The military junta wants a two-year transition, whereas the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) wants a maximum of 16 months.
As the country’s decade-long terrorist insurgency inflicted a spiraling death toll and caused hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, the military took control in August 2020.
In May 2021, Assimi Goita deposed the interim civilian government and took over the president in a de facto coup.
Since 2012, Mali has been wracked by attacks by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State, as well as a slew of self-declared militias and bandits.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in a report to the Security Council on May 11 that Mali’s ambiguous transition timeframe was impeding the G5 anti-jihadist force’s capacity to function.
The UN chief’s assessment, seen by AFP, stated that “uncertainty over the transition timetables in Mali and the 23 January coup d’etat in Burkina Faso considerably delayed the Joint Force’s operational tempo.”
