Drawdown Process of SLACCC in Mali Begins

The 5th Sri Lanka Army Combat Convoy Company (5 SLACCC) in Mali wrapped up their duties at Gao International Airport of Mali on Friday (15 Dec) as part of the drawdown process in line with the directions of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The Commanding Officer of the 5 SLACCC, Colonel W.W.N.P Wickramarachchi officially handed over the Gao International Airport security responsibilities to Malian Defence Security Force (MDSF) in the presence of MDSF Senior Officers.

The vacation of the premises before 31 Dec 2023 coincides with the UN instructions for withdrawal of UN peacekeeping operations from Mali. Accordingly, troop contributing countries ceased their operations and started to repatriate troops, equipment, and armoured vehicles to their respective countries.

After successful completion of the peacekeeping duties as Convoy escort and Airport security Sri Lankan contingent took over the base defense of GAO Super camp on Friday (15 Dec).

Meanwhile, Mr. Atul Khary, under the instructions of Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited the Minusma District East Headquarters located in Gao on Tuesday (12 Dec) to witness the current progression of the drawdown process of the UN peacekeeping duties and the handing over of the German Castro Camp which were excessively used by the UN peacekeeping forces to the Government of Mali authorities.