Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I admit that when I read this proposal on Ireland's participation in Mali, I was very conflicted. Like others, I am very proud of Ireland's peacekeeping troops, whose behaviour and reputation are exemplary. We know the role of Irish peacekeeping troops, some of whom have paid with their lives. In spite of the fact that the Government is going through the process of the triple lock, my concern is whether this is actually a peacekeeping mission mandated by the UN. We know about the extreme terrorism, the threats to local communities and the recent slaughter in villages. The question is whether we are getting caught up in a much bigger situation than peacekeeping. We may be getting caught up in the residue of a colonial issue stemming from French imperialism and France's historic role there, not to mention the very valuable resources in the area that drew France to it in the first place. I would want to be very much assured that the presence of Irish troops is not facilitating French interests in the area. If that were the case, it would completely undermine Ireland's role and reputation when it comes to human rights and development.

Mali is a very troubled state. We know about the Tuareg rebellion and the way in which it was exploited by Islamist extremists. We know about the military coup and how the violence has spread. We know the recent violence between the Fulani herders and the Dogon farmers and the reports that the Government there is arming the Dogon militia. The latest information is that there is much concern among people in Bamako that they do not want the G5 Sahel troops to be based there.

It is a dangerous mission, as are all missions. It is ironic that we are deploying troops at a time when there are so many questions over their pay. We all agree with our troops being there to support peace, security and stability and to protect civilians. However, there are questions over the Malian state. I do not think there is much confidence in its role in creating a peaceful, democratic country. There are concerns over what political process is to come. Ireland's troops in the Golan are keeping the peace. There is no peace in Mali to keep, especially when we do not know if the UN is going to resume that mandate.

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