Dutch Cabinet Mulls Extending Peacekeeping Mission in Mali

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said that the Dutch government could extend its military mission in Mali.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Dutch government is considering extending its military mission in Mali as part of the UN effort at France’s request, Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said Friday.

UN has been running a stabilization mission, MINUSMA, in the turbulent West African country since 2013 to counter Islamist militants. Dutch peacekeepers have been in Mali since 2014 and are scheduled to pull out by the end of 2016.

"Continuing to contribute to stability in Mali and thus in the region is not only in the interest of the Malians, but is also [important] for addressing migration through Libya to Europe," Koenders was quoted by the Dutch public broadcaster NOS as saying.

Koenders, who serves as UN secretary-general’s special representative for Mali, stressed that continued Dutch presence in the country would contribute to national security due to the region’s proximity to Europe.

Mali has been in turmoil since a 2012 military coup that saw separatist Tuareg tribes seize control over large areas in the northern part of the country. Islamist groups that emerged in Mali in the last decade have recently staged several terrorist attacks in the country.