EUTM Mali
Field tactical training of MaAF members
‘Together for Progress’
EUTM Mali
The command of the mission for the first half of 2022 was entrusted to the Austrian Brigadier General Christian Riener whose mission was guided by the motto "Together for Progress". During his command the mission succeeded to carry out its tasks despite an accumulation of challenges: The complex health situation resulting from COVID-19, the unstable political situation, deterioration of the security situation, a Coup d’état in BURKINA FASO (BFA), economic sanctions, border closure and isolation, initiation of offensive operations by MaAF, the presence of Russia & Russian Affiliated Elements (RRAE), humanitarian crisis, food and fuel shortages, economic crisis, hostile civilian attitude towards international presence and the redeployment of BARKHANE and TAKUBA.
During this challenging period, EUTM Mali has been able to sustain its permanent presence in GAO, MOPTI-SEVARE, SEGOU, KOULIKORO and BAMAKO, not only performing training activities but also extending the non-executive accompaniment and providing advice to the Military Regions. General Riener himself evaluated the mission as follows: “During my six-month tour, I focused on the needs of the Malian Armed Forces and the G5 Sahel. I wanted above all, to listen, to dialogue, and to share with those who invited us. Subsequently, it was essential to deepen cooperation with MINUSMA, BARKHANE, G5 SAHEL, EUCAP and many other actors in support of the Malian Armed Forces.”
Military Advice and Education to the Malian Armed Forces
EUTM Mali
On 21 June 2022, Brigadier General Radek Hasala (Czech Republic) took over the Command of EUTM Mali. In 2022, the EU Council, following the Holistic Strategic Review for the mission, decided that the mandate of EUTM Mali, which runs until 18 May 2024, to be adapted to the political and security situation in Mali. According to the EU Council decision, EUTM Mali provides the MaAF with military advice and education, unless the PSC decides to suspend those activities. In addition, if the PSC decides that the conditions are met, EUTM Mali shall provide the MaAF with training, including pre-deployment training and mentoring, through non-executive accompaniment up to the tactical level. In order for EUTM Mali to be able to follow up on the activities of the MaAF and to monitor its performance and behavior, including with regard to respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
On 16 Dec 2022, the Director of the MPCC officially transferred the European Union emblem from the outgoing Mission Force Commander to Brigadier General Santiago Juan Fernández Ortiz-Repiso from the Kingdom of Spain.
Strengthening ties with local population
EUTM Mali
EUTM Mali has started executing foot patrols with the main aim to strengthen the ties with the local population and reinforce the immediate security of the base. As part of the activities carried out by the Lauria Tactical Group at the end of the year 2022, foot patrols are conducted in the vicinity of the base, providing first-hand knowledge of the concerns and way of life of the inhabitants of the nearby Koulikoro neighbourhood. The Force Protection Tactical Group, GTFP "LAURIA", deployed since November 2022 in the "EUTM MALI XXI" operation between the Malian capital and the city of Koulikoro, has among its missions to carry out foot patrols near the Koulikoro Training Centre (KTC) and often close to the villages near the KTC.
Exercises for EUTM Mali personnel
Task Force Bamako belonging to the Force Protection of the European Union Training Mission contingent conducted a rifle and pistol shooting exercise on 27 and 29 December 2022 at the premises of the Ècole de Police in Bamako.
The unit used this facility to conduct advanced rifle and pistol exercises as part of the unit's shooting program. The facilities allow exercises on two different shooting ranges. One of them is a 100-meters shooting range and the other is a 15-meters shooting gallery ideal for pistol shooting exercises. The execution of this exercise was an opportunity for the Task Force Bamako to maintain its high level of training.
EUTM Mali, following its mandate currently focuses its activities in support to Malian Armed Forces within the Mission Area and until the end of Mandate 5 on strategic advice and education. All operational activities are suspended and reversibly, while maintaining the capacity to resume when conditions are met and PSC so decides, in order to support the creation of sustainable and capable armed forces under democratic control and in line with international standards.
The EU remains engaged in Mali and the Sahel region, utilizing its entire toolbox available in the framework of the Integrated Approach.
MATF Gazelle
EUTM Mali
On the 20 May 2021 the Political and Security Committee (PSC) approved the offer of Germany to integrate the Military Assistance Task Force (MATF) GAZELLE in EUTM Mali, operating in Niger and providing military assistance to the NE Special Operation Forces (SOF) for an estimated period of two years. MATF GAZELLE focuses on establishing a NE Special Forces structure, based on a self-sustained BSI (Battalion Special intervention) through training, educating and mentoring pillars. MATF’s GAZELLE has proven its reliability and credibility. The integration of MATF GAZELLE in EUTM Mali has lead immediately to EUTM Mali’s mandate delivery in Niger through a well-established, qualified and credible force, highly trusted by Niger’s authorities. Significant and timely provided resources in personnel and materials for the MATF GAZELLE, have contributed significantly to the operationalisation of the NE armed forces and in particular support the defence sector capacity building in Niger.
On the 15 Dec 2022, MATF GAZELLE reached the end of its mandate after having clearly achieved its objectives, which was feasible due to full Host Nation ownership and commitment, clear, realistic and well measurable objectives and its temporary character. MATF GAZELLE has certainly set good standards to be used as guidelines for subsequent missions.
