Royal Air Force deployment in Mali has been extended

RAF deployment in Mali has extended

The Royal Air Force deployment in Mali has been extended following a UK Government announcement.  The ongoing mission is to support the French counter-terrorism operation in the Sahel region of West Africa. Currently, the RAF has three Chinook CH-47 Helicopters and 100 personnel based in Gao, Mali and they will be continuing to work with the French Armed Forces. 

Helicopters-in-desert

Photo RAF / Crown Copyright

Personnel from RAF Odiham have been deployed in non-combat roles in Mali since 2018, with the aircraft contributing a unique logistical capability to the French-led operation. The Chinooks and aircrew allow French troops to cover a much larger field of operations, by moving personnel to the French bases spread across Mali, eliminating the need for dangerous road moves, and helping to move vital support equipment to strategic locations.

Since arriving in Mali the RAF has clocked over 2,000 hours of flying and moved over 13,000 passengers and 1,100 tonnes of equipment. Currently, the Chinooks are being flown by aircrew from 18(B) Squadron and are supported by personnel drawn from across the RAF and British Army. The conditions are often challenging, with over 40 degree heat in the summer months and regular sandstorms.

Alongside international partners, French forces operate across the Sahel to counter the threat from militants linked to groups such as Al-Qaeda and Daesh. Forces deployed on this mission have had a number of successes and recently killed the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and several other high-profile members of the group.

Photo RAF / Crown Copyright

On June 12th 2020, Defence Minister James Heappey joined a remote conference with over 15 Defence Ministers of the Coalition for the Sahel to highlight our growing role in the region and help co-ordinate the international response. The aim of the Coalition, launched by France, is to coordinate international activity in the Sahel and promote long-term stability in the region.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said:  “West Africa is as important to the United Kingdom as it has ever been and we have many friends and allies in the region who share our desire to promote peace and prosperity.  Combating extremism in the Sahel is vital for the security of the wider region and the UK will play it’s part tackling the declining security situation.” 

The RAF Mission, in support of the French operations, is aiming to deliver long-term and sustainable peace in Mali and is a part of the wider UK Government efforts to stabilise fragile states in the region by tackling the root causes of conflict. This deployment, alongside the UK’s broader development and diplomatic efforts, is helping to address the increasing instability in the region, protect the civilian population, and strengthen the authority of the Malian Government.

Photo RAF / Crown Copyright

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