Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a copy of the review of operations following reports of alleged atrocities committed by the Mali Armed Forces; if so, if any involvement of Irish military was found and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received a copy of the most recent review of EU engagement in Mali, the 2022 'Holistic Strategic Review of EUTM Mali and EUCAP SAHEL Mali' which was circulated in May of this year. The purpose of this review was to carry out an interim assessment of the Missions' achievements against their political, strategic and operational objectives and tasks as 2022 marks the mid point of the current EUTM Mali mandate.
EU Member States decided in PSC on 05 April 2022 to temporarily suspend the provision of operational training to formed units of the Malian armed forces and National Guard, as a reversible measure in order to prevent any reputational risk due to Malian defence and security forces trained by the EU falling under the control or engaging along with Russia-affiliated forces. The EU is engaged in Mali with the entire toolbox that the Integrated Approach offers.
