I am aware that on 7th March 2015, a Sahara-based Islamist group claimed responsibility for a rare attack in Mali's capital that killed five people, including two foreigners. This highlighted continued volatility in the African nation two years after France helped retake territory from al Qaeda-linked militants. No Irish personnel were involved in the incident.
Ireland is currently contributing ten (10) personnel to the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali). Six (6) Defence Forces personnel are deployed to the joint UK/Irish infantry Training Team. One Lieutenant Colonel is serving as Executive Officer to the Training Task Force based in Koulikoro, and three Irish personnel occupy staff appointments in the mission Headquarters in Bamako.
The training of the Malian Defence and Security Forces is specifically provided for in relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, the most recent one being 2164 (2014); this commends the role of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM Mali) in Mali to provide training and advice for the Malian Defence and Security Forces towards contributing to the strengthening civilian authority and respect for human rights.
During my visit to Mali last week, I had the opportunity of meeting the EUTM Mali Mission Commander, Brigadier General Garcia Vaquero, and the Irish troops serving with the mission. The visit also afforded me an opportunity to see, at first hand, the dedication and professionalism of military personnel and the tremendous work done by them to train and mentor the Malian Armed Forces to improve their military capacity. I conveyed to the troops our deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they continue to perform their duties on overseas service.
The security situation in Mali continues to be kept under review by the Defence Forces who actively monitor developments in the region. Increased security measures are in place in the mission to ensure the safety of all EUTM personnel.
