Mali: Masses March Against UN Peacekeepers

Attendees gather while holding Mali national flags during Mali’s Independence Day Celebrations and a march against the UN Mission in Bamako on September 22, 2022

OUSMANE MAKAVELI/AFP or licensors

Africa News with AFP

 23/09 - 16:52

The protestors waved Malian flags and chanted anti-UN slogans. Others carried Russian flags as they marched through the streets of the capital.

Mali's army government has had a frosty relationship with the UN mission also known as MINUSMA, culminating in July in the detention of Ivorian soldiers after branding them mercenaries.

"MINUSMA has done nothing here. We want them to leave. We are here to show the international community that we no longer want MINUSMA. We don't care about MINUSMA. We love our country. We want our soldiers, led by Colonel Assimi Goita," said Lassina Doumbia, a protester.

" They can go back to their homes and stay there. We don't need their help anymore. Assimi Goita is enough for us. The Malian youth is enough for us, " added Samba M. Wangara.

The protestors accused the mission of undermining Mali's sovereignty. 

In July, Malian authorities suspended rotations for peacekeeping forces before reversing the decision a month later. The 12,000 strong force has been in the West African country since 2013.