German parliament authorizes troops to stay in Mali for one final year

Parliament approved the new and final mandate for German troops’ participation in the U.N. mission known as MINUSMA by 375 votes to 263, with one abstention, AP News reports.

It provides for the deployment of up to 1,400 troops until May 31, 2024 at the latest.

The main opposition bloc had called for troops to be pulled out by the end of this year.

The government in November announced its plan to wind down German participation in the mission by mid-2024. It said the timing was meant to take into account the election in Mali that was expected in February and ensure a structured withdrawal, points that the opposition questioned on Friday.

The decision followed repeated tensions between Mali’s leadership and the international community that already have led other countries to set in motion withdrawal plans.

German military missions overseas require a mandate from parliament, which is typically granted on an annual basis.