Irish troops in Mali 'unaffected' by decision to suspend rotation of peacekeepers

The Defence Forces said Mali's decision to suspend rotations of peacekeepers 'is unlikely to have any short-term effects on Defence Forces personnel serving with the Minusma mission'. File picture: Defence Forces/PA

Irish troops serving in Mali are “unlikely” to be affected in the short term by the decision of the government there to suspend the rotation of peacekeeping forces in the volatile west African state.

The move by Malian authorities has further heightened tensions with the UN and comes against the backdrop of a violent security situation in the country.