UN to deploy rapid intervention force in Mali

The UN is deploying a rapid intervention force of Senegalese troops to Mali to deal with the situation of insecurity in the country.

According to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the troops will be positioned in central Mali an area that has experienced an increase in jihadist attacks and communal violence since 2015.

During an official visit to the West African nation, Lacroix said that there was a lack of capacity and soon a number of reinforcements will arrive to make up for the shortcomings.

The UN integrated mission in the country MINUSMA has been stationed in Mali since July 2013 and has just over 12,000 military and police personnel. The mission is considered the UN’s most dangerous active peacekeeping deployment.

The country’s north fell under the control of jihadist groups in 2012.

Islamist militants backed by Al Qaeda still represent the main threat, carrying out a series of attacks. This is despite French forces driving the militants from major urban centres in 2013.

Delays in implementing the UN brokered peace deal has also led to the strengthening of Jihadists.

AFP