Translators who work for German peacekeepers in Mali have expressed their concerns about their safety and fear for their lives as the UN mission comes to an end in the country. These translators have written to the German government requesting protection, as they are regarded as traitors by the jihadist groups operating in northern Mali. They have been openly called enemies by these terrorists, who have targeted anyone working with international forces. The recent killing of their colleague, Hachimi Dicko, by gunmen from the Islamist State (IS) group has further heightened these concerns. Mr. Dicko had worked as a laundry supervisor at Camp Castor, the base operated by German UN soldiers in Gao, the most populous city of northern Mali. His brutal murder, which was captured in images circulated online, has served as a grim reminder of the dangers that translators face in the region. The translators believe that their lives are at risk as they are known and easily identifiable across the vast desert region. They are frequently subjected to threats and insults, with some even being called “infidels” for working with international forces. Despite their warnings to their superiors, the translators claim that no action has been taken to address these threats. As Germany prepares to withdraw its troops from Mali, the translators fear that they will be left vulnerable to attacks from jihadist groups. They have raised concerns that the departure of international forces will create a significant security vacuum, placing their lives at even greater risk. While the German foreign ministry assures that protective measures are in place to ensure the safety of local staff, the translators argue that these measures are inadequate and fail to address the specific risks they face. The German Defence Joint Forces Operations Command, on the other hand, contends that the concerns raised by local employees are unsubstantiated and lack concrete evidence of any immediate risk. However, the translators’ experiences and the recent surge in violence in the region following the partial withdrawal of UN contingents suggest otherwise. In recent months, armed groups have capitalized on the security vacuum left by the departure of international forces, resulting in increased violence and territorial gains for extremist organizations such as IS. The situation in Mali mirrors the events that unfolded in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces, where many translators were left behind and faced threats from the Taliban. Human rights organizations have called on the German government to prioritize the protection and extraction of the Malian translators and their families before the full withdrawal of German troops. They argue that leaving the translators exposed to potential harm reflects a failure of their duty of care and raises questions about the international community’s commitment to safeguarding local staff in conflict zones. The plight of these translators highlights the need for greater protection and support for individuals working with international forces, and it serves as a reminder of the significant risks and sacrifices faced by local staff in conflict-ridden regions.
Translators working for German UN troops in Mali face ongoing threats and fear for their lives
