Mali's Foreign Minister Criticizes International Powers at Kigali Security Symposium

At the 11th National Security Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop took a strong stance against international powers and organizations, blaming them for exacerbating insecurity in Africa.

Diop specifically targeted NATO's intervention in Libya and the United Nations' mission in Mali, highlighting these as failures that have contributed to the continent's ongoing security challenges. He argued that these interventions have left lasting negative impacts, destabilizing regions and undermining local governance.

Why this matters: The criticism of international powers and organizations by Mali's Foreign Minister highlights the need for re-evaluation of their role in African security and the importance of empowering African nations to take the lead in addressing their own security issues. If not addressed, the failures of international interventions could lead to further destabilization and insecurity in the region.

The symposium, held on June 26, 2024, was organized by the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) and other organizations. It brought together defence attachés, associates, and guest delegates from 24 countries, along with representatives from the EU Commission, ICRC, and the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).

In his speech, Diop underscored the failures of NATO's intervention in Libya, which, according to him, led to the country's descent into chaos and provided a breeding ground for extremist groups. He also criticized the United Nations' mission in Mali, which he described as ineffective in curbing the violence and instability in the region.

The symposium also included a quarterly security briefing for defence attachés at the Ministry of Defense/Rwanda Defence Force (MoD/RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura. During this briefing, attendees were informed about new changes in laws governing the RDF, internal and external security situations, and updates on RDF operations in Mozambique and the Central African Republic.

Additionally, Rwandan peacekeepers under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) were involved in various activities, including a meeting with the President of the Central African Republic. A delegation from the Malian Armed Forces also visited the MOD/RDF Headquarters in Kigali.

Diop's remarks resonate with broader criticisms of international peacekeeping efforts in Africa. UN peacekeeping missions have faced significant challenges and criticisms in various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Central African Republic, and South Sudan. In October 2023, UN soldiers evacuated their camp in Mali amid ongoing conflict, after Mali's military rulers ordered the UN to leave, citing the peacekeepers' failure to maintain security.

The symposium highlighted the need for more effective and locally-driven solutions to Africa's security challenges. As Diop emphasized, the failures of international interventions underline the importance of empowering African nations to take the lead in addressing their own security issues.

Key Takeaways

• Mali's Foreign Minister blames international powers for exacerbating insecurity in Africa.
• NATO's Libya intervention and UN's Mali mission are cited as failures.
• International interventions have destabilized regions and undermined local governance.
• African nations should take the lead in addressing their own security issues.
• Locally-driven solutions are needed to address Africa's security challenges.