Mali: “Bye Bye” to the European Training Mission in Mali
The European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali Held their official departure ceremony at the Boubacar Sada Sy Training Center in Koulikoro in the southern part of the country. Let us know the Malian Armed Forces General Staff in a declaration on its official page.
Colonel Issa Kaloga, the Commander of the Boubacar Sada Sy Training Center in Koulikoro, presided over this ceremony of definitive departure of the EUTM.
It was in the presence of the Commander of the Inter-Armed Military School of Koulikoro (EMIA), officials from Koulikoro services, and representatives of EUTM Mali.
According to Colonel Issa Kaloga, the European Union Training Mission actively participated in the training of over 5,000 Malian military personnel of all categories during its 10-year presence on Malian soil.
«This support has encompassed inter-armed tactical groups, logistics, operational search, leadership, and other equally important areas», he stated, adding that the «Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have greatly benefited from this expertise».
On his part, the Commander of EUTM, General Santiago Juan Fernandez Diaz Repiso, stated: «The Malian Armed Forces are now more competent, better equipped, and better trained to address security challenges», before affirming that « the complex interaction between terrorist organizations and organized crime poses a constant threat to the Malian people as a whole».
«The Malian Armed Forces are a spearhead on which society relies to improve the security situation. Their professional competence and respect for human rights are fundamental elements that justify placing trust in them», indicated the EUTM Commander.
He also mentioned that the mission has suffered tragic losses but remains determined to continue its commitment to Mali and the Sahel region.
He took the opportunity to lay a wreath of flowers on the graves of the fallen soldiers during their stay in Mali and presented an award to the contingent.
As a reminder, EUTM Mali consisted of nearly 1,077 soldiers from 25 European countries, including 22 EU members and 3 non-member states.
The European Union (EU) announced in April 2022 the discontinuation of its military training in Mali while reaffirming its presence in the Sahel, according to statements by Josep Borrell, the EU’s chief diplomat.
«The events force us to make this decision. We did not obtain the guarantees we requested [from the junta]. But we are not abandoning the Sahel», explained Josep Borrell, following a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Twenty-Seven in Luxembourg.
«We will continue training on the laws of war because it is necessary for military personnel to know that war has laws and rules of engagement», he added.
Nicky Bonsafo
