Germany mulls ending its military mission in Mali

Germany’s defence minister has suggested it is unlikely that the country will be able to maintain its troops in Mali, as tension grows between the military rulers there and international partners.

Christine Lambrecht said she had the impression that German soldiers were no longer welcome in Mali where they’ve been helping in the fight against jihadists.

Germany has around 1,200 soldiers there as part of a counter-terrorism and peacekeeping mission.

It’s a further sign that the international – French led – counter terrorism operation there is at risk of falling apart.

France has led the criticism of the military rulers in Bamako after they scrapped plans for elections and said they wanted to stay in power for several years.

In December, 16 countries – mostly in Europe – condemned Mali’s decision to work with private military contractors from the Russian Wagner group.

This row may drastically change the overall response to the jihadist threat in the Sahel region.