Direct flights not possible
The federal government finds a solution for the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr from Mali
8/11/2023 8:43 am
According to a report, the complicated situation of the Bundeswehr in Mali has been solved. Since direct flights home have so far not been possible for soldiers, they could now be handled via neighboring Senegal. On the other hand, the situation in another neighboring country is causing concern.
In its search for alternative withdrawal routes for the Bundeswehr from Mali, the federal government has found what it is looking for. According to “Spiegel” information, Berlin has agreed with the leadership of the West African state of Senegal that transport aircraft returning from Gao in northern Mali can land in the capital Dakar – for example to unload material or make refueling stops.
In addition, the Bundeswehr is confident of being able to establish an alternative base in Mali’s capital, Bamako, from which withdrawing soldiers can be flown to Germany. So far, Bundeswehr personnel from Camp Castor in Gao have been flown to Niamey on a charter plane before boarding their flight home – the Malian authorities have approved cargo flights from Gao to Germany, but not passenger flights. Since the coup in Niger, it has been uncertain whether the relocation will take place via Niamey.
The Bundeswehr is also hoping to be able to use the A400M to fly withdrawing soldiers directly from Gao in northern Mali to Germany. Such direct flights would make it much easier for the Bundeswehr logisticians on site to move back. Around 1,000 soldiers are currently stationed in Gao and another 100 in Niamey as part of the UN peacekeeping mission Minusma. Under pressure from the Malian military government, the mission ended at the end of the year.
The Ministry of Defense has now also taken precautions in the event of an escalation of the situation in Niger. According to “Spiegel” information, the 4th company of the special forces command is ready for a military evacuation operation.
The emergency plans provide for the around 100 German soldiers stationed in Niamey to be taken out with Bundeswehr transport aircraft of the type A400M or A330 – if necessary without flight permits from local authorities. The last remaining German civilians could be flown out with French machines. At the moment, however, there is nothing to suggest such a scenario – the situation in Niamey is said to be calm.