YouSaid · the spoken record

Agyeman

lines on the record: 1,567
first: 2022-01-05
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 204
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are dismayed by the high levels of deprivation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank as a result of the imposed siege, as well as the use of excessive force by Israeli security forces, with documented incidents of near- daily raids, arbitrary arrests, mostly of Palestinian youths, and violations of their basic human rights, as well as violations of international law and international humanitarian law. In responding to the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, we call for continued support to ensure the easing of humanitarian access and free movement to and from Gaza. We thank the donors that have contributed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and encourage further financial and relevant support for the Agency.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“We also encourage the parties to remain committed to a cessation of hostilities and to take further steps to prioritize the prevention of violence and the pursuit of confidence-building measures in order to restore mutual trust and create a political horizon enabling the outstanding issues to be addressed through direct dialogue. Thirdly, we unequivocally condemn the attempts by extremists on both sides to carry out acts of provocation, which have recently resulted in confrontations. We are concerned about the interminable cycle of violence in the region, which negatively affects the economies, health, and sociopolitical lives of millions of people in the Middle East. We also condemn the spate of terrorist attacks against Israel. Lastly, we are concerned about the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Secondly, while we welcome the recent efforts made in the region by the Governments of China, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to help to reduce the violence, encourage dialogue, and defuse tensions between the Palestinians and Israelis, we remain concerned about the continuing confrontations. Ghana encourages a strong commitment on the part of senior officials of Israel and Palestine to working together to avoid violence and de-escalate tensions on the ground, in line with the outcomes of the Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh meetings.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“First, we are concerned about the policies and actions of the Israeli Government that risk complicating the efforts to use dialogue to seek the realization of a two-State solution, which, regrettably, appears to be receding with each passing day as a result of the facts on the ground. We believe that the intentions to annex territory in the West Bank, legalize illegal settler outposts and expand settler activities, along with demolitions of Palestinian-owned properties, forced transfers and evictions, as well as the increased risk of settler harassment, detract from the efforts to reach a political solution, as they undermine the trust that is required for a genuine engagement between the two sides.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing to the Council. As it is for many others, the unresolved aspiration of the Palestinian people for a safe and secure homeland remains a source of anguish for us. The manifestation of the dispute in its security implications, humanitarian consequences and human rights issues is also of deep concern. Ghana therefore hopes that this meeting will help to drive our collective ambition for urgent and pragmatic steps that can reassert a political horizon for a two-State solution and the stability of the Middle East region. We have three main points to make.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“It is crucial that humanitarian workers be able to carry out their mandates safely and in an unhindered manner. (spoke in French) Finally, the A3 commends the commitment of Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia. Gabon, Mozambique and Ghana reiterate their solidarity with the peoples of the Great Lakes region, and we reaffirm our firm commitment to respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of the countries of the region.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“Respect for human rights is inherent in the restoration of peace, and we welcome the support provided by the International Organization of La Francophonie to strengthen the capacities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in that area. The humanitarian emergency in the Great Lakes region is symptomatic of the security crisis. There are approximately 9.4 million internally displaced persons in the region, including 6.2 million in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in millions of children out of school, whose future is being jeopardized. We urge the international community to continue its efforts in financing the humanitarian response plans of the countries of the region in order to alleviate the suffering of refugees and displaced persons.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“The A3 recalls that drying up the sources of financing of armed and terrorist groups undoubtedly requires the strengthening of judicial institutions in the countries of the region. It is essential to punish all individuals and entities involved in the massacre of populations and the destabilization of the countries of the region. Ending impunity is no longer an option, and, in that regard, we welcome the support provided by the Office of the Special Envoy to strengthen the judicial capacities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the countries of the region. We note with concern that in conflict zones, human rights abuses are steadily increasing, with 82 per cent of violations committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in conflict- affected areas, 74 per cent of which were committed by armed and terrorist groups.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“The fight against the illicit trafficking of natural resources should lead to the development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the countries of the region. The development of natural-resource wealth offers the countries of the Great Lakes region the opportunity to build a region of shared prosperity. In that regard, efforts to integrate the economies of the region by strengthening economic cooperation and trade must continue. That is bolstered by the effectiveness of regional mechanisms such as the Regional Mineral Certification Mechanism, established by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. In that connection, we welcome the meeting of the Regional Committee on the Fight against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources, held from 15 to 18 November 2022.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We are pleased to note that the region’s growth rate in 2022 was 4.5 per cent, driven in particular by the recovery in global demand in the mining, industrial and services sectors. That performance would have been even better had the region’s economies not been strained by the combined effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the Ebola crisis, fuel shortages, soaring food prices and other factors. We must remember that, in view of the economic potential of the region, it could become the economic lung of Africa. The dynamism of the economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo plays a great role to that effect, given the wealth of its natural resources and the potential of taking advantage of the internal market of the Great Lakes region.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“It is clear that, in the face of the uncertainties that cloud the future of the Great Lakes region, the mobilization of the international community is essential, but that must be concerted and coordinated in support of the regional initiatives of Nairobi and Luanda, which are currently the credible ways out of the crisis. As is widely known, there can be no development without peace, and the nexus between peace and development is a major challenge to extracting the Great Lakes region from endemic crises. In that regard, we cannot address the security situation in the Great Lakes region without examining the issue of the plundering of natural resources to the detriment of the populations.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the signing in Addis Ababa of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, Ghana, Mozambique and Gabon underscore the strategic importance of its effective implementation by all. The Agreement remains a compass on which the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the signatory countries can continue to rely to succeed in pulling the region out of the recurrent upheavals of violence and instability. To that end, it is essential to proceed with its urgent revitalization, with the genuine political will of all the signatory countries to respect their commitments.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We welcome the African Union’s decision to support the deployment of the East African Community regional force through an allocation of resources from the crisis reserve facility of the African Union Peace Fund and invite international partners to provide financial, logistical, material and technical expertise to the force and the ongoing regional initiatives in Luanda and Nairobi. Cognizant of the number of troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the A3 calls for the establishment of a real coordination and cooperation mechanism between the Congolese defence and security forces, MONUSCO and regional and bilateral forces for optimal protection of civilians.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“The A3 also welcomes the decision made by the Angolan Government to deploy troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo for one year to ensure stability and protect ceasefire monitors. We believe that the work of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and the ad hoc verification mechanism is necessary to strengthen confidence-building measures. We recall that, for the regional mediation processes to be effective, it is crucial that the massacres against civilians cease, dialogue be re-established and confidence be restored among all relevant stakeholders of the region.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“Ghana, Mozambique and Gabon commend the continued involvement of Presidents João Lourenço, William Ruto and Evariste Ndayishimiye and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, facilitator of the East African Community (EAC), who has worked tirelessly to restore confidence among the leaders of the countries of the region. The A3 commends the East African Community regional force and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) troop-contributing countries for their commitment to promoting regional peace and security and welcomes the recent deployment of Ugandan, Kenyan and South Sudanese troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to augment the regional force.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“The escalation in tensions in the region is already at a climax, and the combination of terrorist attacks, daily massacres of civilians perpetrated by armed groups and the approach of the important electoral deadline in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must now lead us to mobilize all diplomatic, political and security channels to stem the wave of violence. At the political level, the dynamism of the subregional organizations to restore peace in the region is to be commended. The African Union — the Peace and Security Council of which just carried out a field visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 20 to 23 March — and the Luanda and Nairobi processes reflect the continued commitment of Africa to the stabilization of the Great Lakes.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We look forward to the upcoming fourth round of consultations between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congolese armed groups as an opportunity for all local armed groups to recommit themselves to silencing the guns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adhering to the ongoing political processes. The gravity of the situation risks taking us back to the darkest hours in the history of the region of the Great Lakes, more than 25 years ago. We must not wait for the security situation to worsen further and the region to flare up once again.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our demand for the withdrawal of all foreign armed groups from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the immediate cessation of all external support to armed groups, adherence to the Nairobi process by local armed groups, their participation in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme and the full implementation of the outcome of the mini-summit held in Luanda on 23 November 2022, which was reaffirmed in the communiqué by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 17 February.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“We reiterate in the strongest terms our condemnation of such acts of violence, perpetrated mainly by the armed groups — the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23), the Allied Democratic Forces, the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, Mayi-Mayi Zaire and others — which has led to the massive displacement of populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but also in neighbouring countries. The A3 takes note of the withdrawal of the M-23 from several previously occupied territories and calls for their complete withdrawal from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“The A3 welcomes the presence of our brothers, the Permanent Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, whose perspectives we look forward to hearing, as they represent the countries concerned in the region. Our intervention will be limited to four points on the security, political, economic and humanitarian situations. The A3 remains deeply concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in the region, including the serious daily abuses experienced by civilian populations who are subjected to the cycles of terror imposed by armed and terrorist groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Gabon, Mozambique and my own country, Ghana. I take this opportunity to commend the dynamism of Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Great Lakes Region, who is actively working for the consolidation of peace in that region. His exhaustive presentation provides us with additional elements which allow for a better understanding of the situation in the Great Lakes region. We also extend our appreciation to Ambassador Ivan Šimonović, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, for his equally useful insights in that regard.”
2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source
“Despite the continuing funding shortfall, the international community is very close to averting a major global environmental and humanitarian disaster and must not let those efforts be derailed by the approximately $29 million outstanding. The people of Yemen are yet again on the cusp of reversing the devasting consequences of years of conflict that have brought them nothing but misery and suffering. The parties must not let that opportunity slip through their fingers. Peace, for which the people of Yemen have been yearning for the past eight years, is finally within the grasp of the parties, who need only stretch out a willing hand to grab it. In conclusion, let me wish Special Envoy Grundberg and his right arm a speedy recovery.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“And special attention must continue to be paid to the general welfare of children, who have been overwhelmingly affected by the war. It is regrettable that notwithstanding the efforts of the international community, many children are still living in deplorable conditions without access to good sanitation or water, which puts them at increased risk of malnutrition, cholera and death from common infectious diseases. The best interests of children should prevail at all times. On the issue of the FSO SAFER oil vessel, we look forward to the speedy arrival of the crude carrier in Yemen next month for the initial phase of the operation to commence. It is our expectation that when it arrives, all parties will cooperate with the United Nations for the safe and quick transfer of the oil from the decaying vessel into the newly acquired carrier.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“The risk posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Yemen must be tackled head-on to bring down the number of casualties associated with that menace and to increase economic productivity as a semblance of normalcy returns to the country. Aside from ensuring civilian safety, increased demining efforts will help to free up the agricultural land affected for food production and contribute to the country’s economic recovery. We renew our call for effective international and local collaboration to deal comprehensively with the issue. We must not underestimate the danger posed by the misinformation and disinformation in Houthi- controlled areas designed to undermine people’s confidence in vaccines and their willingness to vaccinate their children. Such acts must stop in the interests of children’s health.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“On that note, we renew our appeal to the international community to dovetail support for the country’s economy with every effort aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people. Above all, a peaceful resolution of the conflict holds many more prospects for the country’s ailing economy than anything else. It will make it possible to schedule more flights to and from Yemen, open up the ports for the entry of essential goods for ordinary Yemenis and help to ease inflation. Above all, it will facilitate a resumption of oil exports to bring in badly needed foreign exchange for the payment of salaries to public servants, among others.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We are particularly concerned about the persistence of mahram obligations imposed on women humanitarian staff, requiring them to be accompanied by male guardians in areas controlled by the Houthis. In that regard, we renew our appeal to the parties, especially the Houthis, to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and grant unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to all in need. With the prospect of peace on the horizon, every effort must be made to support Yemen’s weak economy to create viable opportunities to improve the country’s socioeconomic conditions and reduce its dependence on external humanitarian support.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“In spite of recent marginal progress on the humanitarian front, the needs remain high, with a majority of the population still requiring assistance. We call for increased international support to bridge the funding gap needed to effectively address the humanitarian crisis facing the Yemeni people. We are saddened that constraints on access still persist and continue to be a major impediment to efficient and effective aid delivery in Yemen despite the people’s dire humanitarian needs. The imposition of administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks on humanitarian agencies’ operations, including restrictions on the movements of female staff, are affecting the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to segments of Yemeni society.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“That is particularly critical in view of their long-demonstrated willingness and capacity to engage in communal and national efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. Notwithstanding the recent positive developments, we have been taken aback by the incessant Houthi provocations, including military escalations in Ma’rib and Shabwah and the targeting of senior officials of the Government of Yemen in Taiz. We renew our appeal to them to prioritize the interests of Yemenis and to demonstrate their full commitment to the peace process so as to preserve the fragile security situation in the country. The international community must not relent in its efforts to address the humanitarian crisis facing the country.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“The few months of relative calm that they enjoyed after the inception of the expired truce a year ago have given them a glimpse of the opportunities that await should there be a sustainable resolution of the country’s crisis. Any attempt by any of the parties to reverse such marginal progress would therefore be counterproductive and should not be countenanced. The A3 would also like to remind the Council that hope for a lasting peace in Yemen requires pursuing an inclusive political process that takes into account all segments of the population, including women. We therefore welcomed the Special Envoy’s holding last month in Cairo of a consultative meeting with Yemeni men and women as an important step towards the full, effective and meaningful participation of Yemeni women in all stages of the peace process.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We were further encouraged by the release of nearly 900 conflict-related detainees this month as part of the implementation of the agreement reached by the parties in Geneva last month. It is a significant confidence-building measure that gives cause for further optimism that with commitment and determination, the parties can reach agreement on some of the most consequential issues of the conflict. We commend the efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the Special Envoy and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to achieve that feat. We support every effort that takes us a step closer to durable peace in Yemen. We call on the parties to seize the moment and deepen their negotiations in good faith to reach a nationwide ceasefire that will afford the people of Yemen an opportunity to ultimately chart their own political future.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We welcome the pragmatism that has so far characterized the engagement of key stakeholders in the conflict, not least the direct negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and the valuable intermediary role being played by Oman, demonstrating the importance of regional efforts in the negotiation process. However, a sustainable solution to the conflict lies firmly in the hands of the Yemeni people. It is our hope that the current international and regional efforts will lay the foundation needed for an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process that will lead to a lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict. We call on the parties to take advantage of the prevailing climate of trust, hope and enthusiasm surrounding the negotiations to achieve a breakthrough in ending the crisis.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Gabon, Mozambique and my own country, Ghana. We thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the Deputy Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Ghada Mudawi, for their briefings, and we welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Yemen in this meeting. We are encouraged by the renewed optimism surrounding the ongoing negotiations to find a solution to the Yemeni conflict.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We express our solidarity with the people of Mali, reaffirm our respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on the international community to unite their actions in restoring lasting peace in the country.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In concluding, the A3 believes that the expected peace dividends in Mali can be realized if all stakeholders comprising the Security Council, the African Union, ECOWAS, donor partners and the host authorities consider the solution to the crisis as a shared responsibility and demonstrate strong political will in fulfilling their respective obligations. Additionally, the convergence of views among Council members towards the successful mandate renewal of MINUSMA in the coming months will be critical. The A3 encourages the Malian authorities to continue their efforts in addressing the crisis and improve access to basic social services, including the restoration of State authority and presence nationwide.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“For justice to prevail, we encourage the authorities to expedite investigations and facilitate the speedy arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of such crimes. Lastly, we urge the prioritization of investments in inclusive processes for socioeconomic development in addressing the root causes of instability in Mali. This can be achieved through interventions that create meaningful jobs for women and youth, and harness their potentials in the governance process, including in decision-making, conflict-prevention and mediation efforts. The intervening role of the Peacebuilding Commission in climate-related peace and development interventions as well as in the promotion of community- based dispute-resolution mechanisms, inter alia, remains paramount and should be encouraged.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We recall that climate change is one of the causes of persistent insecurity and the rise of communal tensions in Mali and the Sahel region. We appeal to donor partners to consider increasing their funding support to help meet the $751.4 million target required to tackle the humanitarian situation. Despite the efforts being made by the host authorities on the human rights front, including the establishment of a human rights division within the Ministry of Justice, we consider that we are not yet out of the woods, given the persistence of grave human rights violations against women and children, including conflict-related sexual violence, as well as abductions that are committed mainly by armed groups.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We call for coordinated action to help manage the threat that the return of foreign terrorist fighters and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons pose to the stability of Mali. We also note the complementary role of regional security arrangements, such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Accra Initiative and the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force, and hope that the upcoming report of the high-level panel on the Sahel will interlock the benefits of those arrangements in ways that would advance Mali’s stability. The dire humanitarian situation, arising from the persisting conflict, climate shocks and food insecurity that has resulted in 175,000 additional refugees and an estimated 8.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023, requires urgent attention.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“While awaiting the outcome of the joint military and police capability study on the strategic review, it is important for urgent steps to be taken in addressing the logistical and operational constraints facing the Mission. The provision of adequate troop strength, enhancement of the counter-terrorism strategies, provision of airlift assets, and removal of both land and air restrictions are critical in making the Mission more responsive to the evolving security challenges in Mali. We continue to encourage the host authorities’ cooperation with MINUSMA in accordance with the status-of-forces agreement. The A3 recalls that the destabilization of Mali and the Sahel region is directly connected to the destabilization of Libya, as we note with concern the spillover effect on the Sahel of the lingering crisis in that country.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We strongly condemn such attacks and express our condolences to the families and victims of these atrocious acts. The security gaps in parts of Mali, especially in the north and centre, risk heightening insecurity and emboldening terrorist groups to navigate their way through and wreak more havoc. We welcome the launch of the strategy for the stabilization of the centre by the Prime Minister in Mopti on 17 March and call for strong commitment in its implementation to help tackle the security situation. We hope that the withdrawal of some troop-contributing countries, the most recent being Jordan, will be mitigated and that State presence will be enhanced.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We call on all the parties to the Peace Agreement to remain united in resolving prevailing differences since the lack of unity undermines the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, including the development of the national strategic plan for 2022– 2024. The implementation of the Peace Agreement remains essential to getting the country out of the crisis, and we accordingly urge all the signatories to show political will. We commend in this regard the diplomatic efforts and investments of Algeria on the issue. Secondly, on the security horizon, we remain worried about the nature of the situation, which has been characterized by persisting incidents of terrorist attacks and the continuous use of improvised explosive devices, leading to civilian and military casualties.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We believe that these factors are necessary building blocks that must be consolidated in the transition to restore constitutional order through the conduct of peaceful elections by March 2024. While recognizing the efforts being made by the Malian authorities to restore constitutional order in the country, we remain concerned about some obstacles, including unresolved differences over the draft constitution and the postponement of the referendum. The transition serves as a springboard to the effective realization of the Peace Agreement as well as the fulfilment of the country’s obligations under the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance of the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS). It is important that the remaining time be effectively organized to realize the institutional reforms and fulfil the electoral commitment.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In this statement, the A3 intends to address the political, security and humanitarian situation in Mali. First, on the political situation, we remain concerned by the paralysis of the Follow-up Committee on the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali, which has not met since November 2022. We urge the early convening of the seventh high-level session of the Agreement Monitoring Committee to address the differences in the implementation of the Agreement and encourage the safeguarding of the civic space since it underpins efforts in advancing the political process. We note the partial implementation of the accelerated disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, the continued holding of the ceasefire arrangements under the Peace Agreement and some progress in the transition road map.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“While the situation in Mali continues to be complex and difficult, we acknowledge that some gains have been achieved since the last briefing to the Council three months ago (see S/PV.9251), including on the substantive elements of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali, such as the draft constitution, the justice, truth and reconciliation commission and the efforts to operationalize the electoral management body. We pay tribute to the gallant MINUSMA personnel who continue to sacrifice their lives to achieve peace in Mali. We believe that the continued operation of the Mission is essential to stabilizing the security situation in the country. The A3 welcomes the resolve of the Malian Armed Forces to secure the Malian territory in line with its sovereign commitments.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council (A3), namely, Gabon, Mozambique and Ghana. We welcome the quarterly report of the Secretary- General on the situation in Mali (S/2023/236) and thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General El-Ghassim Wane for his insightful briefing and for his effective leadership of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). We also welcome the participation at this meeting of our brother, the Permanent Representative of Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to underscore that, while Ghana does not see any prohibition in the Charter against Member States possessing and using conventional arms in defence of their territorial integrity, if it is done in conformity with international law, we are also of the view that, no matter their numbers and potency, weapons can never settle a conflict permanently. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only pathway to the peaceful resolution of any conflict.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“That tool, however, requires recalibration in order to ensure that arms embargoes do not undermine the legitimate efforts of States to defend their territory, but instead target armed groups and other groups that exploit opaque trading and transfer arrangements, which often also benefit those who have sought to make a business out of war. That understanding must extend the effects of sanctions to those that manufacture such tools of violence and should ordinarily be responsible for how their products are traded and used.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“We urge further global efforts in that direction and reaffirm the importance of the effective implementation of treaties such as the ATT; the Firearms Protocol; the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument; the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention; the Convention on Cluster Munitions; and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Thirdly, through the tool of sanctions, the Council has been deeply involved in efforts to prevent the flow of arms to conflict parties and settings.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“Mindful of that concern on the African continent, regional disarmament measures — such as the Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials of the Economic Community of West African States; the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa; and the Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials in the Southern African Development Community Region — have aimed at ensuring transparency in arms transfers in order to enable States to identify and trace conventional weapons in a timely and reliable manner. That is critical for combating diversion and preventing the acquisition of such weapons by unauthorized end users, including terrorist groups.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“We urge them to reconsider their decision, and we particularly emphasize the need for the universalization of the ATT in order to regulate international trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion. As a State party to the ATT, we would like to highlight articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty, which explicitly prohibit arms transfers that would be contrary to international legal obligations or contribute to the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity and certain war crimes. Secondly, Ghana believes that greater transparency within the rubric of international cooperation is necessary for reducing the risks that appertain to international peace and security from the production and sale of weapons and military equipment.”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source
“The first is that exporting countries, in particular the major weapon-exporting States, need to strengthen regulations for all aspects of export-control processes, backed by effective monitoring and enforcement action to improve compliance. In emphasizing the responsibility of the major exporters, four of whom are permanent members of the Council, we also underscore the importance of international instruments and treaties aimed at preventing the illicit acquisition, proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons. In that regard, it is regrettable that, of the five major weapon-exporting countries, the two most significant ones have opted not to join the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).”
2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source