According to a report, Irish soldiers are to stay in Mali despite french soldiers withdrawing. Reportedly, other nations are expected to leave following a major deterioration in relations with the Malian government. Reportedly, France, who have a major commitment in the area are angry with the Malian military who have hired mercenaries from the russian group, wagner.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the Sahel region is scene to a conflict which began in 2011. According to the report, Ireland first deployed troops in 2013. Reportedly, an Irish defence forces spokesperson said any drawdown on an irish presence will be taken by the government. According to the report, Ireland has thirty four troops based in Mali, twenty to twenty three personnel being involved in training Malian troops. Deemed controversial.

Reportedly, there is a possibility of placing more irish troops in the area in September 2022, intended to be a scoping exercise looking at possibilities for u.n. missions.

According to a report, sources said there was a serious deterioration in the security situation in the Sahel in recent months. Fifty three french soldiers have died and freight drivers have been murdered and hijacked.

Reportedly, the gsim was formed as a merger of several militant groups, occurring as a consequence of french operations that resulted in several hundred being killed and their camps destroyed. According to the report, the gsim have support from other African nations.