Mali: 411 victims of Islamist terror attacks since January 2016

According to the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP), the number of victims of Islamist terror has increased to 411 since January 2016, following a devastating suicide attack in Mali with at least 60 deaths and 115 injured people. There were 209 civilians among those who lost their lives. “The sad figures reveal that the security situation in the West African state has become even worse since last year,” explained Ulrich Delius, the STP’s Africa-expert, in Göttingen on Thursday. “A total number of 394 terrorist attacks were carried out, at least one per day per year.” The victims are not only members of the Malian army, but also Blue Helmets. Since July, 16 foreign soldiers of the Minusma mission got killed; 57 were injured. The most recent suicide attack occurred in the city of Gao, where the German soldiers are stationed. The Bundestag will discuss the Bundeswehr mission in Mali on Friday.

“In view of the dramatic deterioration of the security situation, the question arises whether the Bundeswehr’s training mission in Mali during the last three years was effective enough – and when Mali’s army will finally be able to protect the country and its population effectively,” said Delius. “We demand a transparent review of the Bundeswehr’s commitment so far, and there must be a comprehensive overall concept for peace and stability in Mali. Given the devastating figures, it would be irresponsible if the Bundestag would simply approve the cabinet decision without a critical review.”

Last Wednesday, the Federal Cabinet had decided to extend and expand the Bundeswehr mission in Mali. Eight helicopters and up to 470 additional German soldiers will be deployed in the scope of the Minusma mission.

The victims of Tuesday’s suicide attack were former Tuareg fighters and Malian soldiers from the MOC coordination center, who – according to the peace agreement for Northern Mali – are supposed to carry out military patrols together. The establishment of the MOC was a complicated task, involving several political disputes. The Tuareg are accusing the Government of Mali of delaying the implementation of the peace treaty, which had been signed on May 15, 2015, as a means to help stabilize northern Mali. Since the 1990s, there have been several Tuareg uprisings. The Tuareg are demanding more self-administration and development for the north of the country, where they have been living for generations.

Header Photo: UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti