EU Ends Military Training Mission in Mali
EU Ends Military Training Mission in Mali
The Facts
The EU announced on Wednesday that it will terminate its military training mission in Mali (EUTM) on May 18, when its current mandate expires, amid deteriorating relations between the bloc and the West African country.
The EU announced on Wednesday that it will end its military training mission in Mali (EUTM) when its current mandate expires on May 18 amid deteriorating ties between the EU and the West African country.
The Spin
The EU's withdrawal from Mali is the latest sign of the deteriorating ties between the West and the Malian military junta. Given the worsening security situation in the country and across the region, the EU troops' departure — following Mali's decision to expel France — is a disaster for the people. However, the EU channels for political dialog and technical cooperation remain open if the junta decides to put the people's interests above its own.
The news that EU troops are finally leaving Mali is good news for the country, which is tired of the US-led West's interference and paternalism. The Western media ignores that it was the NATO attack on Libya that destabilized Mali and the entire region and that the US and its EU vassals are, therefore, themselves to blame for the spread of Islamist violence they claim to fight. Mali is an impressive example of how Africa is freeing itself from the shackles of neo-colonialism.
