Norway has started its third air mission for the UN in Mali
The Norwegian Tactical Airlift Detachment in Mali has officially started its mission. On 13 January, the detachment conducted its first flight for the UN operation MINUSMA.
The mission was to transport personnel and medical equipment. This is the first mission for the current Norwegian detachment in Mali, however, this is the third time Norway contributes to the mission with a transportation aircraft.
The Norwegian detachment will be supporting the UN with transport of medical equipment, personnel and other material until mid-May 2021.
The first flight mission went from Bamako to Gao, then onward to Tessalit in northern Mali. The Norwegian aircraft then flew back to Gao before returning to its base in Bamako. The same distances would have taken weeks to travel by land.
"Our force protection team and our field hospital have been operational for a few weeks already. We have had long preparation period and it is great to finally start our main task: aircraft operations with our C-130 Hercules", says detatchment commander for NORTAD III, Lieutenant Colonel Hans Jørgen Nordskog.
Norwegian Minister of Defence, Frank Bakke-Jensen, points out the importance of the Norwegian contribution to Mali.
"This is a demanding, but important mission", he says, adding that the security situation in the Sahel Region also affects Europe.
"The UN needs mililtary transport aircraft in Mali, and the Norwegian contribution is highly appreciated and is securing a safe transport", Bakke-Jensen says.
Safer by air
The security situation in Mali is poor, especially in the north of the country. Terror, violent extremism, organised crime and pirate activity are common, and the UN operation is vital in helping Mali authorities gaining control over the situation.
The Norwegian detachment is an important factor in succeeding with this. In Mali, land transport can take several weeks. Road transportation is also hampered by extreme weather, armed attacks and poor road conditions. The Norwegian aircraft can cross the country within a couple of hours. This saves the UN operation valuable time and costs, making the operation safer, more effective, and flexible.
However, the Norwegian aircraft needs protection. Especially when approaching air fields, and when on ground.
"To protect our flight crew and aircraft, we always bring with us a trained security force when we travel to these parts of Mali", says Nordskog.
The Norwegian detachment in Mali consists of 70 women and men. This includes pilots, air crew, cargo masters, technicians and medics – to staff and security personnel. Everybody is working towards the same goal: Geting the transportation aircraft up in the air and always ready for mission.
The personnel is based in the Norwegian-operated Camp Bifrost. The camp is located close to the international airport in Mali's capital Bamako. This is one of the safest places in the country.