![A member of the Search and Detect Team serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali surveys a road in Menaka in the northeast of Mali. A member of the Search and Detect Team serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali surveys a road in Menaka in the northeast of Mali.](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/17-10-2022-UN-Photo-UN7899994-MINUSMA.jpg/image770x420cropped.jpg)
The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, is officially closing on 31 December, bringing an end to a decade-long presence in the West African country.
Some 15,200 military and police personnel and almost 2,000 civilians were mandated to work for the mission.
UN Photo/Gema Cortes
![A Rwandan police officer deployed in Mali meets with civilians while patrolling the streets of Gao. A Rwandan police officer deployed in Mali meets with civilians while patrolling the streets of Gao.](https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/assets/2018/11/2018-11-07-MINUSMA-RwandaOfficer-Mali-NICA-588777.jpg/image770x420cropped.jpg)
MINUSMA was deployed to Mali in 2013 following a violent insurrection by separatist rebels attempting to take control of the north of the country and a subsequent military-led coup.
Its main tasks included supporting a political transition and protecting civilians.
UN Photo/Marco Dormino