UNSC briefing on United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)

[ April 7, 2022, 1000 hrs; 1930 hrs IST]

Thank you, Mr President.

I would like to thank Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of MINUSMA for his briefing on the recent developments in Mali and activities of MINUSMA in implementing its mandate. I also thank Madam Bouare, Bintou Foune Samake, President of Women in Law and Development in Africa in Mali for her insights.

2. At the outset, allow me to express our deepest condolences to the families of two Egyptian peacekeepers who lost their lives in an attack on MINUSMA convoy in Mopti on 7 March, and to the Government of Egypt. We also offer our condolences to the families of Malian security forces and civilians who were killed in several attacks during the reporting period. We strongly condemn these attacks and call upon the Malian authorities to bring the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice.

3. Terrorists have been increasingly using asymmetric means such as IEDs to target security forces and peacekeepers. MINUSMA has also recorded several instances of use of drones by hostile elements to watch activities and movements of peacekeepers. We reiterate our call for expeditious implementations of the provisions of Resolution 2589 (2021) on “Protecting the Protectors”, which was adopted by this Council last year, and aimed at enhancing the accountability for crimes against UN Peacekeepers.

4. The security situation in Mali, particularly in Northern and Central regions, has remained grim as terrorists belonging to local affiliates of ISIL and Al-Qaida, such as Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) continue to target civilians, security forces, and MINUSMA peacekeepers. The security challenges are likely to aggravate with the restructuring of international security presence in Mali. We have also noted the reported recent advances made by the Malian armed forces against terrorists.

Mr President,

5. The political and security situation in Mali has not seen any significant progress during the reporting period. The stakeholders in Mali have not yet reached an agreement on the modalities of the transition or any meaningful timeframe for the transition, despite continuing engagement between the transitional authorities of Mali and ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States), which is playing a key role in this process.

6. The multidimensional nature of challenges faced by Mali is rooted in the long-standing imbalances in its constitutional, administrative, and security set up, that have been largely left unaddressed for decades. For such a complex crisis, there cannot be a quick-fix solution therefore.

7. Mali’s challenges need to be addressed through a comprehensive approach, incorporating especially the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement, along with political-electoral reforms and strengthening of security institutions to be able to provide security to Malian people from the growing threat of terrorism in the region. The international community may ignore terrorism in Mali and the Sahel region at its own peril. The genuine demands of national and regional authorities to undertake counter offensive measures against armed and terrorist groups need to be addressed urgently. In this regard, noting the critical role of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for Sahel (FC-G5S) in coordination with MINUSMA in Mali and the Sahel, we reiterate our call for robust support to FC-G5S by the Council and the international community.

8. A lasting solution can be achieved only through a Mali-owned and Mali-led process and one which is seen as inclusive and representative by the people of Mali. We continue to encourage dialogue between Mali and the ECOWAS towards reaching an agreement at the earliest about an acceptable timeline for political transition and elections, leading to the return of the constitutional order. Such agreement will also set the scene for the lifting of sanctions against Mali, thus, shielding the people of Mali from getting further impacted, as well as stabilizing Mali’s relations with its neighbours.

Mr President,

9. We commend the efforts of MINUSMA in assisting the Malian authorities. MINUSMA remains one of the most challenging Peacekeeping Missions. Therefore, it is important that MINUSMA is provided with adequate resources to implement its mandate. We also call for better coordination between MINUSMA and Malian armed forces.

10. India continues to remain closely engaged with Mali in the sphere of development partnership which gets reflected in critical infrastructure projects such as the ongoing construction of 393 kilometers of high voltage (225 kV) double circuit transmission line from Bamako, Mali’s capital city, to Sikasso, the second largest city of Mali. India is also assisting Mali in capacity-building programmes such as scholarships for higher studies and professional training programmes in India, including in defense and security-related areas. India remains steadfast in supporting the Malian people in their quest for lasting peace, security, and development.

I thank you Mr President.

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