The Takuba task force "will remain a key element of this future system, which we will further strengthen," he added. According to the French president, the existing Takuba partners intend to increase their participation and new partners are considering joining the mission. Currently, around 500 Lithuanian troops are taking part in two military missions in Mali and one mission in the Central African Republic. The parliament's mandates for Lithuanian troops’ deployment to international missions have to be renewed every two years. Deputy Defense Minister Margiris Abukevicius has said recently that the ministry has "a positive view" about Lithuanian troops' possible participation in Takuba.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 15, 2021 10:41 UTC