Norway Closes Embassy in Mali over security situation

Norway is to close its embassy in Bamako following the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission to Mali, the Foreign Ministry announced in Oslo.

The withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) would have “consequences for the security of Norwegian and other diplomatic missions and  international organisations in Mali,”  the ministry said.
The move would take effect by the end of the year, it added.

The ministry further said maintaining  normal diplomatic ties with the West African country would become more difficult.

MINUSMA is to be withdrawn by the end of the year at the request of Mali’s military government.

The embassy in Bamako also represents Norway’s interests in the neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso, Mauretania, Niger and Chad.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said it was working on solutions to maintain representation in the region.

Since seizing power in 2021, the Malian military government has sought the assistance of the Wagner group of Russian mercenaries.

In June it demanded that all 12,000 UN troops deployed to MINUSMA should leave.

The UN mission was established following conflict in 2012 with terrorists  and Tuareg rebels in the north of the country.

The terrorists have since expanded into Burkina Faso and Niger.

All three countries are now under military rule and have turned their backs on France, the former colonial power, that has maintained a strong presence in the region.

NAN/Jane Aluko