In line with the accelerated withdrawal process of UN stabilization mission MINUSMA, the convoy departed by land for Gao on Tuesday, but en route it was hit twice with improvised explosive devices, damaging its vehicles. , causing minor injuries to two peacekeepers who were treated on the 2nd. site.
Another explosive device was used in Thursday's incident, resulting in more serious injuries.
“A mission to evacuate injured peacekeepers by air has begun from Gao and the government delegations of the troop-contributing countries in question are being kept informed,” Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. Stated.
“The last convoy to leave Kidal Camp is proceeding towards the MINUSMA base in Gao under extremely difficult security conditions.”
The convoy had to depart without air support because it was not cleared to fly by Malian military authorities, who are pressuring the United Nations to finish the mission by the end of next month. That plan is progressing smoothly.
Dujarric added that the lack of air protection “increases the threat to the safety of peacekeepers traveling hundreds of kilometers through extremely dangerous areas.”
He said the UN was determined to meet the December 31 deadline, with the exception of the clearing team, which includes the contingent's follow-on force and its security forces.
“We continue to look forward to Mali's full cooperation in this process,” he added.
MINUSMA was established in 2013 by a Security Council mandate with the aim of protecting civilians and stabilizing the reactionary northern and central regions following an attempted coup and the continued insurgency led by Islamic armed groups. He is stationed in Mali.