One of the three operations with the participation of Czech service personnel in Mali will be discontinued. Top officials of European countries decided to phase the operation out and withdraw the forces forming Task Force Takuba as part of Operation Barkhane led by France. The drawdown in Mali does not apply to the European Union Training Mission and the United Nations’ MINUSMA, where the Czech engagement continues.
“Redeployment of European forces from the Task Force Takuba is in reaction to the political development in Mali,” said Defence Minister Jana Černochová.
The Czech Republic and other allies sent their forces to Mali based on invitation, indeed on request, of the former government of Mali. The key precondition for the Czech engagement was the support by the Malian Government and the key European allies. As a result of activities of the transitional government in Mali, conditions are not in place for an effective performance of Operation Takuba and achievement of operational assignments.
European officials respond to the sustained developments as the current Malian transitional government has substantially restricted and even disabled the performance of operational activities by multinational forces in the country and its steps hamper cooperation with international partners. At the end of January, Malian authorities called on Denmark to withdraw its forces from Mali, and they have also expelled the French Ambassador.
“Task Force Takuba has largely worked on a close cooperation with the French Armed Forces. So, it was clear that any continuation would depend on their decision. Withdrawal from Takuba does not change anything on the fact that security in Sahel and supporting its stability remain important for the Czech Republic and the European Union,” Minister Černochová underlined.
The withdrawal of forces from Task Force Takuba will occur in steps and will first need to be planned in detail. The Czech Armed Forces has already relevant efforts underway, but it is still a process that will take weeks and months.
The primary mission of Task Force Takuba was the training of the Malian Special Forces and assistance on countering terrorism, which significantly contributed to the security and stability of the region as well as to protecting Europe against terrorism and illegal migration.
Security of Europe remains the primary long-term goal for the Czech Armed Forces’ deployments in foreign operations. The decision to withdraw forces from Task Force Takuba does not mean an end to the Czech Republic’s engagement in the region. Czech service members continue to serve in additional two operations in Mali, the EU Training Mission and the UN MINUSMA mission. The Czech Republic keeps on preparing for the performance of command of EUTM forces in the second semester of 2022.
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