Mali’s government said that it had asked Denmark to immediately withdraw troops deployed to the nation as part of a counterterrorism task force led by France because it had not been consulted and the deployment violated protocol.
In a statement, the government of Mali noted with astonishment the deployment of Danish special forces on its territory as part of the Takuba force.
Mali said that the deployment had taken place without its consent, and that it had ignored the specific protocols applicable to the task force, arguing that Denmark should immediately withdraw its troops.
It was stated that all members of the task force must have a prior accord with the government before being deployed in Mali.
Mali and its international partners, including regional bodies and the European Union, have been in tension since the transitional government failed to arrange elections following two military coups.
Several EU countries have said that the deployment of private military contractors from the Russia-backed Wagner Group to Mali is incompatible with the mission of the transitional authorities.
Denmark’s defence ministry said on Monday that about 90 personnel, including surgeons and special forces, were deployed. They were to stay until early 2023.
The Takuba Task Force is a counter-terrorism operation that partially succeeded a French effort in the West African Sahel region that French President Emmanuel Macron has begun to reduce from its initial strength of 5,000 troops.
The task force is composed of 14 European nations that provide special forces, logistical and tactical support for targeted operations against Islamist militants with regional troops.
The forces are expected to assist Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to cope with jihadist militants affiliated with the Islamic State and al Qaeda who control swathes of territory along the tri-border area.
“The aim is to stabilize Mali and parts of the Liptako-Gourma three-country area encompassing localities in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and to ensure the protection of civilians against terrorist groups,” the Danish statement said.