Mali strengthens ties with EUCAP Sahel amid shifts in security strategy

The Minister of Security and Civil Protection of Mali, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, held a meeting on Tuesday with the Head of the EUCAP Sahel Mali mission, Mr. Grabow Kolding, and his team, reaffirming the mission’s commitment to support Mali’s security efforts.

According to a statement on the Malian government’s Facebook page, the meeting underscored EUCAP Sahel Mali’s ongoing partnership with the ministry, emphasizing its role in enhancing the country’s security sector.

Mr. Kolding highlighted several key areas of collaboration, including improvements at the Kourémalé Inter-force Centre, logistics, community policing with designated focal points, human resource management, the strategic framework for the national police, and upcoming training sessions.

He also announced the forthcoming visit of a delegation from the European External Action Service for an evaluation mission.

General Daoud Aly Mohammedine expressed gratitude for the support provided by EUCAP Sahel Mali, noting the mission’s contributions through the construction and renovation of infrastructure, training support, and the provision of vehicles and equipment.

He acknowledged the progress made and assured his guests that measures would be taken to address the concerns raised during the discussions.

The Minister emphasized that community policing remains a top priority for his department, highlighting the importance of collaboration with local populations to achieve security objectives.

“We are pleased with this partnership and express our desire to see the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Mali renewed.

Your actions are tangible and visible, which encourages us to hope for not only a renewed mandate but also a stronger and more consistent one,” he stated.

EUCAP Sahel Mali, a civilian crisis management mission of the European Union, was launched on January 15, 2015, following an official invitation from the Malian government.

The mission supports the reform of the security sector and the strengthening of governance and accountability within Mali’s internal security forces, according to information available on the mission’s official website.

EUCAP Sahel Mali remains one of the few Western missions still active in the country.

Following the coup d’état in August 2020 and the subsequent transition changes in May 2021, Malian authorities have re-evaluated their cooperation strategy, moving away from traditional partners, particularly France.

Mali’s pivot towards Russia has seen the arrival of Russian instructors on the ground, often described as mercenaries by Western diplomatic sources.

This shift comes after Bamako criticized France’s perceived “abandonment” in the fight against terrorism, following a decade-long presence of the Barkhane force.

As Mali continues to redefine its international partnerships, the EUCAP Sahel mission’s role remains crucial in supporting the country’s efforts to enhance its security framework and maintain stability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.