The European Union (EU) announced that it has decided not to extend the mission's mandate to train military forces in Mali, given the "evolution of the political and security situation on the ground" in the African country. The European Commission said in a statement that the 27 member countries decided by mutual agreement not to extend the mandate of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) beyond May 18, 2024, following the strategic review and consultations with the Malian authorities. The EUTM Mali consisted of about 700 soldiers, from nearly 20 European countries, before the number of the mission was significantly reduced. Brussels said that the channels for political dialogue and security and technical cooperation remain open. Source: Qatar News Agency