UNSC meeting on MINUSMA

[Monday, 14 June 2021]

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu

Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President, allow me to begin by thanking SRSG El-Ghassim Wane and Head of MINUSMA for his briefing on the recent developments in Mali and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). 

2. The unfortunate developments in Mali last month have provided a reality check to this Council on the implementation of the Transitional Roadmap. The repeated interventions by the Malian military in the transition process have created challenges on the way forward. Differences over the appointment of members in the Transitional Government, resulting in the arrest of the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister on 24 May by the military, clearly reflect the tenuous relations among the Malian stakeholders. The impact that these developments may have on the time-bound transition is a matter of serious concern.  

3. We welcome the timely actions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) which have helped to partly redeem the deteriorating political situation. We have also taken note of the commitments expressed by the new President on the transition process as well as the appointment of the Prime Minister. The Malian authorities need to quickly resume the implementation of the Transition Roadmap and convene legislative and presidential elections as per schedule in early 2022. 

4. The implementation of key provisions of the Peace Agreement remains fundamental to lasting peace in Mali. In this regard, we take note of the 2nd meeting of the Monitoring Committee in Kayes on 29 March and welcome the formation of a Security and Political Coalition between Coordination of Azawad Movements and Platform of Armed Groups.  The parties need to agree, without further delay, on the deployment and operationalization of the reconstituted army units, launch of next phase of demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR), creation of territorial police and reorganization of territories. These are the priority areas that will help in addressing the security situation. 

5. The precarious security situation, particularly in Central and Northern Mali remains a matter of serious concern. The absence of a state administration has contributed to the worsening situation. The attacks carried out by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam waal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) against civilians and international forces have increased. It is indeed worrisome that terrorist activities in Central Mali continue unabated. 

6. MINUSMA is playing an important role in stabilizing the security situation in Mali through its political and military support to the peace process. We welcome the Mission’s confidence-building measures, particularly the local peace accords in Central Mali that have helped reduce inter-communal violence and promote reconciliation. We commend the efforts of MINUSMA peacekeepers, who are functioning under complex and challenging circumstances. We also take note of the progress in the implementation of the Mobile Task Force concept to strengthen the unity of effort and command across the area of operations and of the support extended to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (FC-G5S). We reiterate the need for more robust support from the Council and from the international community to the G-5 Sahel Force.

7. In the backdrop of the attack on the MINUSMA camp in Aguelhok on 2 April, we reiterate our call to MINUSMA to further enhance measures to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. This recent incident again underscores the urgent need to upgrade the security infrastructure of camps of UN peacekeepers. We also call on the Government of Mali to bring to justice perpetrators of attacks against UN peacekeepers. We take positive note of the recent conviction for the killing of a MINUSMA peacekeeper in 2015. 

8. The primary responsibility to fight terrorists and extremist armed groups lies with the Malian Defence and Security Forces. MINUSMA peacekeepers are there to support the implementation of the Peace Agreement and its provisions. The tendency of burdening peacekeepers with responsibilities which ought to primarily lie with the host state or other relevant international organisations must come to an end.

9. It is a matter of concern that MINUSMA peacekeepers continue to face IED threats. The Mission should enhance resources to counter this threat. We hope that this will be adequately addressed during the discussion on the mandate renewal of MINUSMA later this month. 

10. Mr. President, Mali is currently facing serious political and security challenges. This delicate phase requires the renewed commitment of all stakeholders in Mali to the Peace Agreement and its implementation, as well as ownership of the Transition Roadmap. The continued support of bilateral and international partners to Mali, including the UN, AU and ECOWAS, is much needed in these challenging times. India remains committed to support Mali to overcome the present political and security crisis. 

I thank you, Mr. President. 

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