Egypt has said it will temporarily suspend its participation in the UN Peacekeeping Force in Mali starting from today over concerns about the security of its troops.
The move follows the killing of seven Egyptian troops serving under the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma) in attacks since January.
According to reports gathered, the decision is as a result of activists backing Mali’s military-led government continued demand for Minusma’s expulsion over its perceived failure to protect civilians from attacks.
Egypt’s mission to the UN in Nairobi said last month that the Egyptian contingent of Minusma would be temporarily withdrawn but did not indicate how long the suspension would last.
Meanwhile, Egypt has about one thousand soldiers in Minusma, mainly providing logistical support.
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