Over 460 peacekeepers from the Egyptian combat and convoy escort battalion of MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) left the city of Gao, in northern Mali, on Friday, July 28.

Over one year, these peacekeepers have conducted convoy escorts from Gao to Tessalit, passing through Kidal and Aguelhok, in very challenging conditions marked by the increased use of improvised explosive devices by armed terrorist groups.

Their various missions, conducted at a steady pace, have contributed to securing logistical convoys and protecting civilians. Additionally, the Egyptian Blue Helmets engaged in numerous civil-military activities, such as providing food, school supplies, thousands of items, and free medical consultations to help the most vulnerable.

Although the departure of the Egyptian peacekeepers was planned before the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2690, which marked the end of MINUSMA, it nevertheless represents another step towards the Mali's definitive withdrawal. In the following days, some of the peacekeepers from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Bangladesh contingents will also leave Mali, after the peripheral camps of Ogossagou, Goundam, Ber, and Menaka will be closed. These movements are part of the complete withdrawal of troops from Malian territory by December.