GHANA ENGINEER COMPANY DEPARTS TIMBUKTU

On Friday 30 June 2023, the UN Security Council Resolution 2690 terminated the mandate of MINUSMA following the request from the Malian authorities for the withdrawal of the Mission without any delay. The UN outlined strategic steps and phases for a safe, orderly, timely and coordinated withdrawal by Sunday 31 December 2023 and liquidation is expected to commence from Monday 1 January 2024.  MINUSMA after a decade of operating has started its withdrawal process.

MINUSMA established 12 camps in the north and central parts on Mali with civilian employees both locally and internationally and troops from about 57 contributing countries including Ghana. Ghana remained one of the oldest countries in the Mission from AFISMA to MINUSMA until its withdrawal. The Ghana Engineer Company provided engineer construction to support the Mission especially in Timbuktu, Goundam and Ber. The Unit also undertook a number of CIMIC activities in the region. The Ghana Armed Forces initiated the withdrawal process by forming a technical team to assess the security situation and plan on the strategic and safe withdrawal of Ghanaian troops and equipment.

On Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 October 2023, the first batch of Ghana soldiers were repatriated to Ghana via Ghana Airforce Flight to Ghana. The Unit is expected to cease operations on Friday 20 October 2023. The remainder of troops in Mali will be repatriated finally in November 2023 including major equipment to be repatriated by Cargo flight and road movement to Ghana. Serving the people of Mali has been an honor to Ghanaian troops.