NORWAY on Thursday announced it was closing its embassy in Mali, citing the “security situation” that developed after the ruling junta ordered out foreign troops helping it fight terrorists.
“The decision to close the embassy in Bamako was taken following an assessment of whether it is possible to safeguard Norwegian interests in Mali given the security situation in the country,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Read also: Two ANC Members Killed In South Africa Campaign Shooting
“Since the two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the political situation in Mali has been volatile.
“The military-led transitional government has terminated its security cooperation with France and the UN. When the UN mission ends, it will become more difficult to maintain normal diplomatic activity in the country.”
France, Mali’s former colonial power and ally in the jihadist struggle, fell out with the junta after it wove close ties with the Kremlin, bringing in paramilitaries that Paris says are Wagner mercenaries.
Read also: Zimbabwean Author, Kundizeza Denies Using AI To Write Award-Winning Story
The 13,000-member UN peacekeeping force MINUSMA, which first deployed to Mali in 2013, is to leave the country by the end of the year at the junta’s request.
Norway’s embassy in Bamako also represents the country’s interests in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.
The ministry said it was looking at options for how to replace the embassy’s role and provide substitute services during the closure.
The junta has promised to restore civilian rule after free elections that it says will be held by February 2024.
Read also: Namibia Battles Cattle Disease Outbreak As EU Suspends Several Meat Imports
The embassy closure does not affect Norway’s aid to the Sahel, which last year amounted to more than $100 million, the ministry said.
AFP
