The German troops will also be providing medical services Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa

A second mandate regulates the air transport support already being provided by German Transall aircraft and the planned mid-air refuelling services to be assured by German forces.

The deployment of armed German soldiers has been limited until 28 February 2014. The ceiling on troop numbers for the two mandates is 330.

Federal Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière called on members of parliament to approve both mandates when they had their first reading in the German Bundestag on 20 February 2013. Mali must take charge of its own security, he declared, but until the country is in a position to do so, it depends on support to train Malian armed forces.

Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who was attending a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, underscored the importance of this European Union mission. The go-ahead for the mission is a clear sign that Europe can take resolute action in a situation like this, he added.

Mandate for the EU training mission

A total of up to 180 German soldiers will be involved in the European training mission in Mali (EUTM), which is to help establish Malian armed forces controlled by the country’s government.

Within the framework of the EU’s common foreign and security policy member states decided to launch the joint training mission on 18 February 2013. A total of up to 200 instructors are to be involved in the mission. Along with the necessary support and security personnel the mission will comprise some 450 soldiers.

Training Malian security forces

German soldiers are to be assigned to train engineering units. Some 80 soldiers have been earmarked for these duties. The training will build on the experience gained during earlier military training and outfitting support for Mali.

Malian forces are not currently in a position to provide logistical and administrative services on the ground. These duties too are to be performed by the German contingent, including medical services for the training mission. Up to 100 soldiers will be assigned to perform this work.

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

No combat missions for EUTM Mali

The training is to address Malian security forces directly, and does not affect the forces of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali. The EUTM troops will not take part in combat missions or military operations.

Mandate for air transport and mid-air refuelling

The second mandate relates to the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). This mission is to help the Malian government to restore control over the country’s entire territory and to protect its people.

The French forces prepared the ground for the AFISMA mission. It was and is right that France intervened so decisively. Germany is now helping ensure that France’s successes remain sustainable. To this end air transport to and inside Mali is indispensable.

The German contribution to support for this mission involves air transport and mid-air refuelling. Up to 150 soldiers will be deployed to provide these services.

German Transall aircraft are already providing air transport services. Germany will continue this support and extend it to include transport inside Mali.

Tanker aircraft for French forces

Another part of the mandate relates to aerial refuelling support for French aircraft. The Bundeswehr has a twin-engine tanker aircraft. The Airbus A310 can carry 60 tonnes of fuel. This allows it to support international operations around the globe.

German troops are to operate the transport and tanker aircraft from an airbase in Dakar, in neighbouring Senegal.