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EARLIER THIS WEEK, Cabinet approved a proposal to deploy members of the elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW) to the UN Mission in Mali – also known as MINUSMA.
The decision could see 14 ARW personnel deployed to the west African country this year, the first time the unit has been called into action since being deployed to Chad in 2008.
The decision was made amid heightened tensions in Mali, where dozens of people were killed during a massacre in a village last week, an incident which followed other attacks in recent months.
The massacre resembled tit-for-tat ethnic attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives in the country so far, and a Malian security source said the village at the centre of this week’s incident was “virtually wiped out”.
The Government has expressed concern over the attacks in recent days, and others have questioned whether it’s safe for Irish personnel to be deployed for a mission described as the world’s most dangerous UN Peacekeeping duty.
So what is the situation in Mali and why does the Government want to send the ARW there?
What is MINUSMA?
The UN mission MINUSMA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali) was established in April 2013, following the country’s violent Tuareg rebellion in 2012.
Despite military help from France and the UN, Mali’s government is struggling to quell violence that began in the north of the country, sparked by radical Islamist and Tuareg groups.
At the time, the Malian Army became ill-equipped to fight insurgents, and factions in the army staged a military coup in March 2012.
A deal between different groups was eventually brokered in Burkina Faso, before the establishment of MINUSMA and the deployment of UN peacekeepers in July 2013.
But violence subsequently spread to central Mali, after a predominantly Fulani jihadist group led by preacher Amadou Koufa emerged in 2015.
MINUSMA – made up of the third-largest peacekeeping mission in the world – focuses on restoring security, stabilising the region, protecting civilians, and assisting with the re-establishment of the Malian State’s authority.
However, it has also become the UN’s most dangerous peacekeeping mission: 177 peacekeepers have been killed out of a force of almost 15,000 troops.
At the United Nations Security Council in New York this week, Foreign Minister Tiebile Drame called for an increased presence by MINUSMA “to help protect civilian populations and their property, [and] to end a cycle of violence to enable the return of government and basic social services”.
“This increased presence is the precondition for the success of the political process which we will undertake in the coming days,” he said, without giving details of what that process would entail.
The UN Security Council is still debating whether to renew MINUSMA’s mandate, which expires at the end of this month.
Why is the Army Ranger Wing being deployed to Mali?
This week, Cabinet approved the proposal to deploy the ARW to Mali as part of the MINUSMA mission.
The move has reportedly been under consideration for a number of months, but follows a recent escalation of tensions in the area.
Last week, dozens were killed in a village inhabited by the Dogon community, where farm animals were also slaughtered and homes were burned by suspected terrorists.
In another incident Wednesday, an attack on villages of the Dogon ethnic group in the south of country claimed at least two lives and left several others wounded.
Both attacks came less than three months after nearly 160 members of the Fulani ethnic group were slaughtered by a group identified as Dogon in the village of Ogassogou in central Mali.
The United Nations launched an investigation into the attack at the time.
In May, MINUSMA, announced it had recorded “at least 488 deaths” in attacks on Fulanis in the central regions of Mopti and Segou since January 2018.
In response, analysts believe that a slump in public confidence in the government has led to spurring the creation of so-called self-defence groups.
It is against this backdrop that the Government is considering the deployment of troops into the country.
Last Sunday, TheJournal.ie reported that Minister of State Paul Kehoe would bring a proposal to Cabinet to deploy the ARW with the UN peacekeeping force in the country.
The government believes that as a committed supporter of UN action, Ireland should not stand by while worries about security heighten, regardless of the risks involved.
However, a decision on the deployment is subject to the ‘Triple Lock’ system of authorisation.
The means that the Defence Forces cannot be deployed without all of the following:
Meanwhile, other peace operations involving Irish troops are also taking place in Mali, specifically, the EU Training Mission (EUTM).
Currently, 20 members of the Defence Forces are deployed to the EUTM, in which Ireland has participated since it was launched in 2013.
The mission includes nine Irish personnel who occupy staff appointments in the mission headquarters in Bamako, and 11 personnel who are based in the Koulikoro training centre.
What happens next?
Following the Cabinet’s decision, the Dáil will have to approve the proposal in order for troops to be deployed.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Defence told TheJournal.ie that a motion on the deployment of troops to Mali is scheduled to be heard in the Dáil on Tuesday, 18 June.
In another statement earlier this week, the Department also said that it expected that the deployment would happen later this year if the ‘Triple Lock’ conditions are satisfied – that is, if the Dáil passes the motion.
As part of the Government’s proposal, the Department previously carried out a detailed review of the mission, while the Defence Forces also carried out reconnaissance and an assessment of the situation in Mali.
It is understood that the Defence Forces was satisfied that precautions are in place to ensure the safety of Irish troops who may be deployed, but they also acknowledged that no mission is without its dangers.
What has the reaction to the proposal been?
In its statement this week, the Department of Defence told TheJournal.ie that recent events underlined the need for “a strong international presence” in Mali and highlighted the importance of UN peacekeeping work in the country.
Also speaking about the mission this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the government’s proposal had been “very much welcomed” by the Defence Forces.
“It is a big part of our peacekeeping efforts and our commitment to the UN, but it also will help them to maintain and develop their skills,” Varadkar said.
However, the proposal to deploy troops was opposed by a number of TDs in the Dáil, where some argued that it was “asking a lot” of the Defence Forces to carry out a a high-risk mission at a time when they are calling out for more pay.
There have also been concerns over a risk to Ireland’s reputation of further involvement in Mali.
Earlier this year, independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan called on the government to bring home the Irish personnel following the massacre in March.
He told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that it was time to bring the members of the Defences Forces who had been training the Malian Army back home.
While the proposal may have government support, there is opposition towards the deployment of troops.
All eyes will be on the Dáil vote on Tuesday to see what happens next.
With reporting from - © AFP 2019.
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The ARW proved to be very effective in Chad. They’ve an excellent reputation amongst elite units worldwide. I’m sure they will be just as effective in Mali.
@Skipper Mac: the Ranger wing are a very small component in a non combatant military of a neutral, grossly underfunded army. This “deployment” of 12-14 people with no air, armor or even soft vehicle support is the worst example of this governments distain for all things military. Given the retention crisis in the Irish army, and the ridiculous notion that Ireland needs a security council seat, it’s obvious to anyone with a political or military education that this is a weak attempt to impact
both of the above. The Irish ranger wing, like the Irish Aer corps are nothing more than training schools either for other militaries who actually engage in combat or the private sector. Sad but true.
@Red Pirate 71: Yeah totally agree . The sad fact is their are 18yr old lads in many other countries that have served in Afghan that have more combat experience then the IRW .
@Skipper Mac: how can they be called “elite” when they have no experience actually doing the thing that they’ve been trained for?
@Red Pirate 71: your comment suggests you dont actually know what special forces do and have watched too many movies. It’s not all kicking in doors and snipers. Special forces provide large impact for small footprint, and that effect can be kenetic, the kicking in doors covert ops stuff, or non-kenetic, such as high effective training, and for that 12-24 is probably more than enough
@Vocal Outrage: I have 7 years military service. In 2 theaters. Hope to finish my MA in strategic studies in September. That enough? Happy to meet you any day to verify.
@Red Pirate 71: enough that you should know what special forces do, and strategic studies does not necessarily include military strategic studies, it depends on your module choices and I Ireland there is very limited opportunities for military strategic studies
@The Guru: experience doesnt make you elite. It makes you experienced. An 18 year old “grunt” can have lots of combat experience but it doesnt mean they are highly trained or capable.
I didn’t read the whole article but I find it very odd that our government would want to send elite army rangers to Mali when this type of senseless slaughter has been happening in other parts of the world for decades, Palestine and Sudan comes to mind.
@mark crabbe: We can’t help everyone every day. But if we help someone today and they can get back on their feet, we’ll then tomorrow they might be able to help someone else in return.
Is Ming on the whacky weed today. Most of the problems of starvation, war, underdevelopment and mass migration come from this kind of instability, especially in religious conflict areas. The west are in a position to help provide basic security. Does he seriously suggest we sit back and let the slaughter continue. The same guy will complain about 19th century imperialism. That fixes nothing, helping Africa find stability will.
@Sega Yolo: I don’t think it’s ever going to stablisise down there, more and more people are going to be fighting for fewer and fewer resources as global warming intensifies, not to mention the fact that the area is on the border between the Christian and Islamic World. Sending 14 lads down there isn’t going to change any of that.
It’s a bit strange of the government when this week they voted against pay restoration for the ordinary rank and file members of the army. Many of whom depend on FIS to keep a roof over the heads of their families and food on the table. The same government wasn’t in any way remiss in granting themselves “pay restoration” or splashing public money around on their pet projects.
What are 14 soldiers going to do . The ARW like the SAS are not supermen . Their are just well trained good soldiers . If you want to make any difference in a country you have to put large numbers of boots on the ground .
@John Smith: Why would you type that? Do you think there are only going to be 14 soldiers going to Mali? They are joining in excess of 13,000 UN soldiers as part of the UN’s MINUSMA peace-keeping force.
@John Smith: Will probably do a few things such as intelligence gathering, recon and training native soldiers. Doubt they are being sent as a combat unit with only 14 soldiers
@Jenny Boyle: Why did I type that . Well very simple why doesn’t Ireland send large numbers if troops to Mali if their really interested in making a difference.
@John Smith: Maybe you should take the Larium tablets and go down to the African desert yourself.
Lovely, it’s about time we got involved in French Colonial Wars.
@John O Reilly: Exactly.
Mali is an ex French colony, however even after “independence” France has always controlled the government and reacted when this was threatened. As for instance now.
We should not be intervening to protect French interests.
Unless of course its part of a training exercise in preparation for us joining NATO or a European army (Leo would love this).
Not in my name!
Our soldiers are mercenaries, plain and simple, sent out in harm’s way by politicians. When did you ever hear of a TD that served in the forces?
@John Flood: Lisa Chambers TD was a Lt in the army, Senator Craughwell was an NCO and served in both the Irish and British armies
@John Flood: Hopefully that will change in the next general Election. Dianna Fail have a candidate in Eddie Mulligan, currently a counsellor, but served his time as a Naval Officer, and not just any Naval officer. Officer in Charge of the Diving section. A good man to have on yourside
@Vocal Outrage: Chambers was a RDF.
@Chemical Brothers: I know, but the RDF are still part of the defence forces, hence she served in the forces, but as per most democracies was rightly required to resign her commission, which is the same as and PDF officer’s upon being elected TD, and is also why so few in the Dail have served
Please DONT send our troops to Mali to be slaughtered.
@Orla Cosgrave: where should we send them so? The role of a soldier is to assist in providing security, Mali needs security and we have some of the best soldiers in the world for this as they are professionally trained, reasonably well equipped when deployed and most importantly in this type of mission, don’t bring colonial baggage
We should not be sending troops into combat zones anywhere. The risk of making things worse, or making enemies, far outweighs the chance of doing any real good.
We should also question why we have an army at all. Wouldn’t it be better to have more police or a larger navy instead of having so many young men and women hanging around doing little useful all year?
@Kieran Magennis: Your more interested in your reputation in the world then standing up for what’s right . You don’t have a neutral reputation in the world because Irish troops from NI have been serving alongside other countries in the conflicts across the world since WW1 . In the eyes of the world Ireland is not a neutral country . https://youtu.be/Lqa0JtWJDTY
@John Smith: Wow, that was some leap on your part! Who mentioned neutrality? Ireland is first and foremost irrelevant in such things, neutral or otherwise. Very few NI non-Unionists have fought in the British army since WWII (probably even less than mercenaries and adventurers from the South) and Unionists do not consider themselves ‘Irish’ so why you’re conflating them with southerners in the Irish army is beyond me. The main point was that military interventions in the developing or third world only very rarely have long-term positive outcomes, so we should not get involved. I have yet to hear a good case for Ireland having an army at all rather than a larger armed garda force or navy…
@Kieran Magennis: That must be why their call the Royal Irish . They wear an Irish headdress call an caubeen . A shamrock on their uniform and their moto is Gaelige. Faugh a balllagh . 22 percent of their recruits is from the republic . They are made up of soldiers from the 32 counties both unionists and nationalists and they have been around for over three hundred yrs . https://youtu.be/VfVSJTUlr68
@Kieran Magennis: I have one, the navy and the army are both part of the Defence Forces, your stance is actually completely contradictory
@Vocal Outrage: apt handle
@John Smith: mercenaries don’t count
Irish army personnel; underfunded, underpaid, unappreciated, unacknowledged and yet the official last line of defence of our democracy, the first port of call when we are flooded, covered in snow or even if the binmen or firemen go on strike. More international missions will bolster their knowledge and skills.
Bas in Eireann!
No use getting all that training and not been able to exercise it. I sure the ARW are happy about it.
Ireland is more then capable of sending a thousand troops to Mali for six months at a time . It would need a force of 4000 troops . 1000 troops on a 6 months deployment . 2000 troops on 12 months pre deployment training and a 1000 troops on s rest period . They rotate every six months . It may sound like a lot but it’s only 2 battalions deployed at a time .
@John Smith: but according to the defence forces website they already have a battalion in UNDOF and another in Lebannon, so that’s 4 deployed at a time, which would mean by your calculations 8 training and 4 recovering. That’s 16 battalions soly committed to overseas, do the Irish army even have that many battalions?
Knoy 2012
Often wonder how such highly trained military are retrained for civilian life after their high octane period in service.
Has to be a big issue & a case for a proper re- adjustment process.
Having employed ex soldiers, they bring some excellent personal discipline to the job, but I have noted a couple with a hard, apparently suppressed emotional condition, apparently where they were exposed to grim experiences.
So I trust that this ARW team get the necessary after service support they will undoubtedly need.
We were behind the violence in Africa once. It was 1960 near Yeka in Ethiopia. Brothers, Ger Neway and Brig Neway, commander of the Kebur Zabanga, sought to overthrow the Emperor during a visit to install a new government.
Our mission was to neutralise both Neways and evac.
A QRF was assembled and we set off at 0 dark thirty in M2 Bradleys with full tactical AVDs. We reached a crossroad on the R668 near Ballylooby when Capt Tutch, our driver, left his post and wandered off into an onion field. Our brief stipulated that we leave no man behind, we waited for Tutch to return. Tutch didn’t return, some say his eyes watered so much that he dehydrated in 2 hours and collapsed near Kennedys farm. Mission was aborted and we RTB’d as proud soldiers, I miss those guys, they were sweet kids.
@Pat Corrigan: no wonder your mission failed, the M2 Bradley is a tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicle introduced into service in 1981, completely unsuitable for the state of a road that was the R668 in 1960
God knows. Better deploy them against kinahan hutch feud.
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