Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 May 2022
19. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the details of the current security situation in the Sahel region; if there are any plans for Irish troops to return to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will update Dáil Éireann on the situation surrounding the Army Ranger Wing in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23593/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 38 together.
Ireland currently has Defence Forces personnel deployed in two (2) separate missions in Mali, which is part of the Sahel region. In addition to Mali, the Sahel region also comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger.
The Government has approved the continued deployment of up to 14 Defence Forces personnel to participate in MINUSMA, the United Nations authorised operation in Mali, up until 30 September 2022, when our commitment concludes. Currently, there are 2 officers deployed in MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako and an additional 12 personnel, including members of the Army Ranger Wing, deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO, Mali. All deployed personnel are embedded with a larger German company and are carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate.
In addition, twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed with the EU mission to train the Malian Armed Forces in Mali, known as EUTM Mali. EUTM Mali complements other EU projects and activities carried out in the context of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.
The Government is deeply concerned about the security situation in Mali, which is kept under constant review by the Defence Forces, particularly in relation to the safety and security of Irish personnel and by reference to the prevailing threat assessment.
Recent months have seen a very serious deterioration in the security and human rights situations in the Centre of Mali. There have been a number of incidents in recent weeks where it has been reported that civilians have been killed following operations by Malian armed forces, reportedly operating alongside Wagner Group personnel.
The Malian authorities continue to officially deny the presence of the Wagner Group in the country, despite reports that up to 1,000 personnel associated with the Russian backed mercenary group have been deployed to the country and are engaged in joint operations with the Malian armed forces, with an operational focus in the centre of the country.
The Department of Defence reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas on an ongoing basis. Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
