German military presence in Mali in doubt after France's withdrawal

France's decision to withdraw forces from Mali has cast doubt on Germany's own military deployment to the West African country, according to German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht, reported dpa.

"I am very sceptical on whether we will agree to an extension of the mandate with regard to EUTM," Lambrecht said, referring to the European Union's training mission in the country.

German participation in the UN mission in Mali, named MINUSMA, will depend on whether the soldiers will be adequately protected, she said. "So far, this has been achieved through French capabilities. And if that disappears, we will have to look urgently for another solution," she said.

"If we find that the capabilities we need are not replaced by France, from near the Niger-Mali border for example, and not by other states either, then we will have to discuss whether there is a willingness in the German parliament to adopt a completely changed mandate," the minister added.

Lambrecht also expressed scepticism about political changes in Mali. Pointing to a years-long delay to a political transition, she said: "that is not our understanding of the process ... Agreements have not been kept."