UNSC briefing on MINUSMA (Mali)

[Tuesday, 18 October 2022; 1000 hrs]

India Statement 

Let me join others in thanking SRSG (Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General) and Head of MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) Mr. El-Ghassim Wane for his briefing. I also thank AU (African Union) Representative (Tbc) for his statement. I welcome the presence of Permanent Representative of Mali at today’s meeting. 

2.    The ongoing efforts to expedite the transition process in Mali has made some significant progress in the reporting period, as mentioned in the Secretary General’s report. The Malian authorities and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) have agreed on the transitional timeframe; the electoral law has been adopted; the election management authority has been established; and the process of drafting of a new constitution has begun.

3.     We welcome these positive developments. We believe these measures provide a solid foundation for the transition process and finally for the restoration of civilian order at the end of the transition period in 2024. We join others in appreciating steadfast engagement of ECOWAS in Mali.

3.    The implementation of the 2015 Peace and Reconciliation Agreement remains fundamental for lasting peace in northern Mali. In this regard, we welcome the High-Level meeting held in August and Agreement Monitoring Committee session held earlier this month. These meetings have brought together the signatory movements and transitional authorities. A decision on integration of ex-combatants in two phases, if implemented in a timely manner, should positively contribute to peace and stability in northern Mali. In addition, the extension of State authority, particularly civilian and security apparatus should be given priority, given the worsening security situation. 

4.    Terrorist groups such as Jama'a Nusratul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State of Greater Sahara (ISGS), who are indoctrinated with terrorist ideologies of Al Qaida and ISIL, have continued to gain ground in Mali. While Malian defence and security forces have been deployed in the north, it has not been able to stop these terror groups from expanding to the west and south of Mali, including to urban centers. Reprisal attacks have also increased in the recent months targeting civilian population as well. This is a dangerous escalation and cannot be ignored. The challenge of terrorism in Mali needs to be accorded high priority and treated with the same level of urgency as other global hot spots that face the scourge of international terrorism.  In this regard, the counter terror operations conducted by countries in the region should be coordinated to enhance overall effectiveness.

5.    The frequency of attacks against UN peacekeepers has also increased with MINUSMA losing five peacekeepers this year. We express our condolences to the families of peacekeepers and strongly condemn attacks targeting peacekeepers. We also call for swift action on part of all stakeholders for expeditious implementation of the provisions of the UNSCR 2589 (2021) to bring the culprits to justice and establish accountability of crimes against UN peacekeepers.

6.    The role of MINUSMA remains critical in helping Mali to achieve stability. The Mission continues to operate in an increasingly dangerous asymmetric threat environment. While we appreciate the efforts taken to address safety and security issues concerning UN peacekeepers, it is equally important not to burden MINUSMA with direct counterterrorism related operations. These counterterrorism operations need to be undertaken by the national security forces, which command a better understanding of terrain and local dynamics. We also encourage the Mission to augment its resources to meet the shortfalls arising out of withdrawal of international forces from Mali. 

7.    In conclusion, the crisis in Mali is rooted in systemic multidimensional challenges. The long-standing shortcomings in administrative, constitutional and security set up cannot be addressed in the absence of political stability. A lasting solution for Malian crisis can be achieved only through a Mali-owned and Mali-led political process which is inclusive and representative. It is important that the international community stands in solidarity with the people of Mali in these challenging times. India remains steadfast in supporting the people of Mali in their quest for seeking enduring peace, security and development. 

***