Military staff face no sanctions for fatal 2016 mortar accident in Mali

No disciplinary action will be taken against staff involved in the 2016 mortar accident in Mali, which claimed the lives of two soldiers and left a third seriously injured. Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated in a parliamentary letter that “employment-related measures” are not appropriate, as many of the root causes stem from the ministry’s organizational structure.

The incident took place during a 60mm mortar exercise at a United Nations base in Kidal, Mali. A team of military personnel was carrying out a standard firing drill when a 60mm mortar shell exploded prematurely, which led to the deaths of the soldiers in close proximity.

“This is not just about individual mistakes, but also about how the ministry’s organization has been affected by budget cuts, operational pressure, and a weak safety and quality culture,” Brekelmans wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament.

Last month, an independent committee investigating the mortar accident found that the Ministry of Defense had indeed failed for years, both in its procedures, ammunition management, and safety culture. The actions were deemed “negligent and culpable.” In response, the caretaker minister says he has already implemented several measures.

Brekelmans points out that some of the staff involved are no longer employed by the Ministry of Defense. Current staff are merely “held accountable” by Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim, meaning they face a conversation but no formal disciplinary measures.