Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Mali: UN Peacekeeping Mission

14 November 2022 · 14 other contributors

Opened by James Heappey Con West Dorset

UkraineDefenceForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Heappey raised concerns about mali: un peacekeeping mission in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK is committed to supporting peacekeeping efforts worldwide, particularly in West Africa.
  • UK has supported the French-led counter-terrorism mission in Mali since 2018.
  • UK will withdraw from the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali earlier than planned due to political instability and partnerships with Russian mercenaries.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

James Heappey

The UK is committed to supporting peacekeeping efforts worldwide, particularly in West Africa. Since 2018, the UK has supported the French-led counter-terrorism mission in Mali and more recently through a UN peacekeeping mission since 2020. However, due to recent political instability and the Malian government's partnership with Russian mercenaries, the UK will withdraw from the MINUSMA mission earlier than planned. The minister emphasises that military deployment requires clear political progress and stresses ongoing commitment to west Africa through humanitarian aid, training of peacekeepers, and financial contributions to UN missions.

Other contributors (14)
  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    The MP asks whether the Chinook deployment will continue to support the UN mission and inquires when the Royal Scots Light Dragoons on the ground in Mali will be withdrawn.

    Minister reply

    The minister did not provide specific dates for the withdrawal of troops or helicopters, only confirming that plans have been shared with allies over recent months.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    He asks about the delay in Britain's decision compared to France and Sweden. Will the UK produce a similar strategy to President Macron’s new initiative?

    Minister reply

    The minister did not provide specifics on producing a comparable UK strategy but highlighted ongoing work with allies to consider options for supporting stability initiatives like the Accra conference.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    He inquires about updating the integrated review to address gaps in Sahel security thinking.

    Minister reply

    The minister did not commit to specific updates but indicated that the UK is working with allies on a new approach to support regional stability initiatives.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    He asks about the additional funding needed for defence considering inflationary pressures.

    Minister reply

    The minister did not provide a specific figure but mentioned the importance of clarity regarding UK defence spending.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    The MP criticised the lack of transparency in the UK's decision regarding its MINUSMA deployment, highlighting that the news was leaked to The Times before reaching parliament. He questioned why it took so long for Britain to make the same withdrawal decision as France and Sweden, and asked if the government would produce a similar strategic plan.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the leak but stressed that there was no deliberate briefing prior to the statement release. He explained that rushing into a decision in February without understanding regional dynamics would have been knee-jerk. The UK is working on a solution through the Accra initiative, which aims to restore stability by addressing insurgency challenges in Burkina Faso.

  • James Duddridge

    Question

    The MP questioned whether the situation could worsen after Ukraine as Wagner Group combatants may return to West Africa causing further instability.

    Minister reply

    The minister noted that while Wagner Group's activities are concerning, its role in West Africa differs from Ukraine. In Mali and other regions, Wagner acts at the invitation of local regimes, often exacerbating human rights issues.

  • Chris Stephens

    Question

    The MP asked for detailed diplomatic steps taken against the Wagner Group's presence in Mali and elsewhere, questioned sanctioning options, and inquired about staffing and funding levels for new offices focused on conflict resolution.

    Minister reply

    The minister confirmed ongoing efforts to address Wagner Group activities diplomatically. He will provide a follow-up letter regarding specific details of the newly established office for conflict stabilisation and mediation.

  • James Sunderland

    Question

    I thank the Minister for his statement. Our withdrawal is disappointing, as I suspect it will exacerbate the very reasons for our deployment in the first place, but I clearly accept the political judgment. Will he confirm to the House that the UK force protection profile will be maintained in full accordance with the threat as we withdraw?

    Minister reply

    It absolutely will. The long-range reconnaissance patrolling will stop almost immediately and, on the next rotation, the force that follows on to deliver the draw-down will have everything needed within it for full force protection.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Question

    The UK deputy permanent representative told the UN Security Council on 10 October that the UK supports MINUSMA—we should pay tribute to the bravery of those troops, given the losses to which my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) referred—but said that there were questions about whether and how the mission can maintain a viable presence in Mali. Given the factors—political instability, the Wagner Group and others—that have led to withdrawal of French and UK troops and those of other nations, what is the Government’s view about the continued operation of MINUSMA in the circumstances in which it now finds itself?

    Minister reply

    That is a matter for the UN. As I said in response to the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey), our view is that the MINUSMA mission is stagnant. The political track has not been advancing for a number of years—since the first coup or, arguably, before that—and a very successful military mission has therefore been undermined by the lack of progress in Bamako.

  • Katherine Fletcher

    Question

    Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit RAF Odiham and see a stripped-down Chinook with the iconic red sand of Africa falling out of it. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the withdrawal is no reflection of the service of those who were in country and those who were working so hard in the UK to support them? And may I press him on what we are doing to combat the Wagner Group in Africa?

    Minister reply

    I echo my hon. Friend’s praise for the troops who have been involved. The Chinook force has been involved for a long time and has been on an aggressive rotation of operations, particularly the engineers. It has done extraordinary work to keep the Chinooks flying in very difficult conditions.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    In his address to the House earlier this year, President Zelensky asked Parliament to proscribe the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation following atrocities that it had committed in Ukraine. Reports suggest that, since the coup in Mali, the Wagner Group has been linked to massacres in which hundreds of civilians have been killed. Will the Minister commit to speaking to the Home Secretary or the Minister for Security about proscribing the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation?

    Minister reply

    I certainly will.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Question

    I was very interested to hear the Minister make reference in his statement to the Chilcot report. In the light of the horrors of Mali and the terrible loss of life there, I understand the withdrawal of French and British troops, but I would like the Minister to be clear about how many British troops are now going to be deployed in that region of Africa. Crucially, what is the long-term aim of this—what exactly are we getting ourselves into?

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Gentleman is right to ask that question. I do not think that the situation is as binary as every soldier, sailor and aviator currently in Mali finding themselves redeployed around western Africa. My suspicion is that the Accra initiative countries will be asking for slightly different capabilities from the long-range reconnaissance group that is currently in Mali.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    I put on record my deepest respect for the armed forces who have served in Mali. With the rising threat from extremist groups in the region, does the Minister believe that the withdrawal of troops could lead to an eventual outpouring of refugees, as we saw in Afghanistan?

    Minister reply

    No, I do not, for the simple reason that the UK troops in Gao are now somewhat north of the centre of mass of the insurgency. The argument that I am making gently is that our position in Gao is not that relevant, given where the security challenge in west Africa is.

Shadow Comment

John Healey

The shadow expresses disappointment in the delay of the ministerial statement and questions the strategic planning behind it. He highlights concerns over the impact on the MINUSMA mission, neighbouring states, and counterbalancing Russian mercenaries. The shadow also queries about ongoing support for France's new strategy and calls for a comprehensive UK strategy addressing Sahel security issues. Additionally, he raises doubts about the current defence spending settlement.

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