Massive UN Peacekeeper Withdrawal: 13,000 Troops Exit Mali in Unprecedented Move

The United Nations is undergoing an unprecedented six-month withdrawal of nearly 13,000 peacekeepers from Mali, as ordered by the country's military junta. The withdrawal comes as the junta has brought in mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group to combat an Islamic insurgency. The process involves sending all peacekeepers and police home, handing over camps to the government, terminating civilian staff, and moving out equipment and vehicles. Mali has been in turmoil since a 2012 military coup, and the UN mission in the country, known as MINUSMA, has become the most dangerous UN mission in the world. The withdrawal is challenging due to the vast terrain, hostile operating environment, and the presence of terrorist armed groups.