Germany's input will include mid-air refuelling operations Photo: picture alliance / dpa

The mandate for the deployment of armed German troops is to run until 28 February 2014. The ceiling on troop numbers for both mandates will be 330. The Cabinet decisions must still be approved by the German Bundestag.

Mandate for the EU mission

A total of up to 180 German soldiers will be involved in the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM). The mission is designed to help establish armed forces in Mali that are under the control of the government of the country.

Europe is taking action

Speaking during the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle underscored the importance of this EU mission. The fact that it has been given the go-ahead is a clear signal that Europe will take appropriate action in a situation like this, he said.

Within the scope of the EU’s common foreign and security policy, member states agreed on 18 February 2013 to launch a joint training mission. A total of up to 200 instructors are to take part in the mission. Along with the necessary support and security staff, the mission will involve some 450 soldiers.

Training Mali’s armed forces

open popup Bundeswehr troops support the international mission in Mali Photo: Bundeswehr

German soldiers are to train Malian engineering units. About 80 soldiers have been allocated. Training will build on the experience gained in earlier training and equipment support missions for Mali.

Malian forces are currently unable to provide the necessary logistic and administrative support on the ground. These services too will be provided by the German contingent. This will include paramedical services for the training mission. Up to 100 soldiers have been earmarked for this.

France will initially be responsible for security at headquarters in Bamako, Mali’s capital, and in the training camp.

No combat missions for EUTM

The training will address the Malian security forces directly, but not the military forces of the African-led international support mission, AFISMA. Troops deployed to EUTM will not take part in combat missions or in military operations.

Mandate for air transport and mid-air refuelling

The second mandate relates to the African-led international support mission in Mali, AFISMA. This mission is to help the Malian government to regain control over the entire sovereign territory of the country and to protect the Malian people.

French troops prepared the way for the AFISMA mission and intervened decisively. Germany is now helping to ensure the sustainability of the French achievements stressed Federal Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière. Air transport to Mali and inside Mali is indispensable.

Germany’s support for the mission will include air transport and mi-air refuelling operations. Up to 150 soldiers will be deployed to this end.

For the last month German Transall aircraft have already been providing air transport services. They are currently bringing African troops to Mali. They have so far provided 7 flights from Europe to Africa and 78 flights inside Africa, transporting some 550 individuals and 180 tonnes of materials. Germany will be continuing this support and extending services to include transport inside Mali.

Tankers for French forces

Mid-air refuelling services for French aircraft is another element of the mandate. The Bundeswehr has a twin-engine tanker. The Airbus A310 has a total fuel capacity of 60 tonnes, which allows it to support international operations around the globe.

From the air transport base in Dakar, in neighbouring Senegal, German troops will operate transport and refuelling services.