the Government will send a military contribution, consisting of two transport helicopters and approximately 70 people for a French-led operation in the Sahel region of northern Africa.
It informs the Ministry of foreign affairs.
Minister for foreign affairs Anders Samuelsen (LA) has Thursday informed The Policy Board on the operation in the Sahel, which stretches across Africa.
– It is crucial for the Danish and european security, that we contribute to stability in the area. Terrorist groups in the Sahel region is a threat to our common security, he says.
Therefore, the entry of Denmark, together with France, to get them defeated.
– at the same time, it is my hope that efforts can contribute to stabilising the region and preventing irregular migration towards Europe. It is in our clear common interest, ” says Anders Samuelsen.
Denmark is to contribute to the French operation Barkhane, covering Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
the Operation consists of 4500 French soldiers and has helikopterbidrag from the Uk and bevogtningsbidrag Estonia.
In 2013, contributed with a transport aircraft to the franskledede operation Serval, which preceded operation Barkhane. But Denmark has not contributed militarily to the Barkhane.
the Government considers that the Sahel region as part of Europe’s southern neighbourhood. It is important to help combat terrorism and prevent the flow of refugees, believes defence minister Claus Hjort Frederiksen (V).
– the Security situation in Mali and the entire Sahel region is worrying, and therefore, Denmark should increase its commitment and contribute to the terrorist groups do not get “safe passage”, he says.
Denmark has continuously contributed with personnel and equipment to the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. It applies to transport aircraft, specialoperationsstyrker and conduct force work-ups, including stabsbidrag.
