YouSaid · the spoken record

Jean-Pierre Lacroix

lines on the record: 212
first: 2020-04-24
most recent: 2021-05-24
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“Since the beginning of this year, MINUSMA forces and Malian defence and security forces have suffered repeated attacks and significant losses, while several large cities are living under constant threat from armed groups. As we mourn the deaths of our peacekeepers, I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call to the stakeholders concerned to scale up and strengthen the international community’s response to the issue of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel region, including by ensuring the swift implementation of the recommendations of the 2020 Pau and 2021 N’Djamena summits. In addition to the threat posed by terrorist groups, I remain concerned about ongoing destabilizing activities by militias operating along ethnic lines in central Mali.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Although 26 of our brave Blue Helmets from Chad were injured and four were killed in the attack, their determined and heroic defence of the camp made it possible to inflict a very serious setback on the assailants. Allow me to express my most sincere condolences to the families of the soldiers of peace who perished and to the people of Chad, as well as to wish the injured a speedy recovery. I echo the words of the Secretary-General in his statement following the attack: it will not cause us to waver in our determination. This latest attack took place against the backdrop of a deteriorating security situation in central and northern Mali.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“It is an honour to take the floor in the Security Council on the latest report (S/2021/299) of the Secretary-General on the situation in Mali and to brief you on recent developments in the country. As we meet here today, the latest major attack against our peacekeepers, which took place this past Friday, serves to remind us of the challenges facing Mali and the Sahel subregion alike. Nevertheless, this tragedy is an illustration of the bravery and determination of our peacekeepers in supporting the people of Mali. At about 6.15 p.m. local time on Friday, 2 April, a group of heavily armed terrorists attacked the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp at Aguelhok, located in the Kidal region of northern Mali.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to express my deep admiration for the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by the women and men serving in MINUSCA in pursuit of the mandate provided by the Council, in an exceptionally challenging context, and to pay tribute to all MINUSCA personnel who have lost their lives while serving the cause of peace in the Central African Republic.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The people of the Central African Republic have suffered greatly and deserve our steadfast support and attention. As we deliberate on the situation, the voices of the people must be heard, and I am delighted to be joined by Kessy Martine Ekomo-Soignet, who will provide the Council with an important youth perspective. I am grateful that she wishes to share her views and aspirations for her country from Bangui. As the country finds itself at this very delicate juncture, we must collectively ensure that the significant investments to advance sustainable peace, including by the Council, are not lost.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The electoral period has laid bare the important shared work that remains ahead to ensure that national institutions can assume their sovereign responsibilities to keep the population safe from harm. It will be important to revisit the current security sector reform process, alongside national and international partners, and adjust the common approach accordingly with a view to re-establishing the operational readiness of the national defence and internal security forces. In the interim, it is essential that the national defence and internal security forces continue to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, including through full respect for the rule of law and international human rights principles during the state of emergency currently in force.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Justice must be served for those who have perpetrated serious crimes and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the killing of peacekeepers, aid workers and civilians. That will require a commitment by national authorities to pursue accountability for violations by State and non-State actors alike, while safeguarding human rights and preserving and expanding civic spaces. Judicial and penal institutions must be strengthened so as to enable them to protect the rule of law and combat impunity in an impartial and independent manner. Furthermore, all instances of hate speech and incitement to violence, including against MINUSCA and its partners, should be firmly denounced and prosecuted.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“In addition, our reinforcement plan will be sequenced and subject to regular reviews, guided primarily by developments on the ground. I hope that the Secretary-General can count on the Council to support his recommendation. As we work to turn the tide on the security situation, efforts to advance peaceful dialogue must be coupled with a renewed investment in the fight against impunity, including for grave crimes committed in the electoral period. The number of human rights violations has tripled since mid-December, with substantial increases in abductions and killing of civilians, attacks against humanitarian workers, destruction of homes, extrajudicial killings and conflict-related sexual violence.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The proposed augmentation would also contribute to enhanced protection for United Nations personnel and facilities, which has become even more important in view of the killing of seven peacekeepers in hostile attacks, and two others in the line of duty — all since the start of the electoral violence. I wish to underscore that the request for additional military and police capabilities is not intended as a military solution to the present challenges. Rather, it is the result of a comprehensive assessment of the changing context on the ground and the current capacity of MINUSCA, as well as an attempt to address the growing needs of the people. We have factored in ongoing efforts to optimize the performance of MINUSCA, which remains a priority for the Mission and the Secretariat.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“However, the risk of Mission overstretch extends beyond this period, as all of its capabilities remain fully engaged to address the volatile security situation and respond to increased security and protection needs. The Secretary-General therefore recommends reinforcing MINUSCA with an additional 2,750 military and 940 police personnel. Given the new developments, that support would increase MINUSCA’s ability to implement its priority mandated tasks — to protect civilians, create the conditions for progress in the political process and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Despite the rapid deterioration of the security situation, MINUSCA has continued to serve as the main guarantor of security for the civilian population. The Mission repeatedly repelled armed group attacks, including on the capital. MINUSCA also successfully protected prisons in Bangui, thereby preventing the escape of high-profile prisoners. I express my deep appreciation to the Council for granting an extension of the temporary reinforcement of MINUSCA through inter- mission cooperation, which has proven vital in enhancing the Mission’s capacity to execute its mandated priorities, including to protect the population in a deteriorated security context. Those reinforcements will continue to play a crucial role, including by providing security for the legislative elections in March.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“It is also essential that the international community support that national effort by promoting cooperation and coherence in the peace process. I welcome the engagement and leadership of regional organizations, including the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States as the guarantors, as well as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, which are working to support the peace process. I encourage continued close coordination among all partners within the framework of the Political Agreement. Such an inclusive dialogue will also be crucial to creating the conditions that will allow for a peaceful new — second — round of legislative elections, scheduled for 14 March. Working closely with international partners, MINUSCA continues to provide multifaceted support to this process.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Despite this very fragile situation, the country is on-track to successfully conclude a democratic transfer of power within the constitutional timeline, which is a major achievement. It is now essential that those democratic gains be preserved by completing the electoral process and advancing a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Two years after its signing, the Political Agreement remains the only viable framework for peace. To allow the country to successfully turn the corner and start healing from the national trauma, it is vital that an inclusive and meaningful dialogue process be initiated without delay, including with the political opposition and armed groups that renounce violence and remain committed to the agreement.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Yet 1,000 trucks carrying life- saving supplies and food — including for our United Nations personnel — as well as medical supplies required to fight the pandemic remain blocked at the border with Cameroon due to the insecure conditions. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant renewed displacement and increased humanitarian needs and has pushed civilians to again seek refuge in neighbouring countries. The violence initiated by the CPC has resulted in more suffering for the Central African people. The Central African Republic is now the most dangerous place for humanitarian work, accounting for more than 46 per cent of worldwide incidents registered by international non- governmental organizations last month.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“In several towns, including Bossangoa in the west and Bambari in the centre, the Mission is providing security to thousands of internally displaced persons who sought protection from the ongoing violence. MINUSCA continues to support efforts to safeguard democratic order and protect civilians in the face of persisting attempts by the armed group coalition to asphyxiate the country by cutting of its economic lifeline, the main supply route connecting Bangui to Cameroon. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains alarming, although we have observed some important progress with the recent arrival of the first humanitarian aid convoys in Bangui since the violence started.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“I thank you for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in the Central African Republic. As outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/146) under consideration, the country continues to suffer from violence despite the successful conclusion of the presidential election, albeit in challenging circumstances. In recent weeks, some important progress was achieved against the armed group coalition, the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC), due in part to the remarkable efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and bilateral partners. Nevertheless, the situation remains very volatile.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“The COVID-19 pandemic presents a test of our collective commitment to international peace and security. I would like to salute the courage and tenacity of the women and men serving in peace operations, both uniformed and civilian, who, in these exceptionally trying circumstances, have continued to demonstrate dedication and commitment to, and solidarity with, the populations they serve. In these circumstances, we are grateful for the Council’s strong and steadfast support to peacekeeping, which remains indispensable as we continue to face the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“The importance of engaging and involving women has become even more acute. In these areas and others, we will continue to draw on lessons at the level of the peacekeeping system. Despite all the challenges, the Action for Peacekeeping initiative and its Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations have continued to provide a framework for our response and a road map for our collective efforts to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping. We have continued to work on all its priority areas while adapting its implementation to the constraints of the pandemic. We are currently evaluating the progress that has been achieved, identifying remaining or new challenges that we need to tackle and, on that basis, adjusting our action.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Over the past year, they have had to adapt, innovate and respond to fast- changing conditions. The pandemic has had an impact on weak economies and vulnerable communities and has generated additional political and security risks in already difficult situations. Peacekeeping operations are working to anticipate these changing risks through long-term horizon-scanning, with a view to better preparing for them. We will also need to continue drawing lessons from the pandemic and understanding its impact on peace operations so that good practices can be fostered and emulated. We already see that enhanced coordination among Headquarters, field missions, the wider United Nations system, Member States and partner international organizations has played a key role in that regard.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“To address the adverse socioeconomic impact of the pandemic, missions have supported women’s economic empowerment and leadership activities. In contexts as varied as Abyei, Kosovo and the Central African Republic, they have supported the local initiatives of women’s organizations, including initiatives aimed at producing face masks. And across missions, the United Nations police continues to support the first- responder efforts of national police services and other law enforcement entities to fight the transmission of COVID-19 and to sustain operations while mitigating the risk of spreading the virus. Finally, we will also need to turn our collective attention to managing the long-term impact of the pandemic and the role that peace operations may be able to play.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“For instance, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) provided support to the Congolese authorities in developing procedures and policies to manage the implementation of COVID-19 response measures, as well as ensuring security and air transport for the movement of materials. To combat misinformation, MINUSMA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have used their own radio stations to uphold factual narratives. They have also contributed to sensitizing the population through campaigns, dedicated radio programming, partnerships with community stations and, in some cases, have hosted distance learning programmes for school pupils to continue their education.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“In the Secretariat, in the spirit of the Secretary-General’s reform, the Headquarters Field Support Group on COVID-19 has continued to help coordinate the support we provide to peace operations, together with the Department of Operational Support and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. I would like to thank all our colleagues at Headquarters, as well as the leadership and peacekeeping personnel in all missions, for their ongoing commitment to tackling the challenges of COVID-19. Fourthly, since the beginning of the pandemic, peacekeeping operations have consistently endeavoured to support host country authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19, at both national and subnational levels.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Pre-deployment awareness training for COVID-19 has also been developed and disseminated in order to equip all peacekeepers with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their colleagues from the disease. The implementation of these measures rests on the strength of partnerships that are at the core of peacekeeping. Partnerships with troop- and police-contributing countries have continued to be critical. I wish to once again salute them for their cooperation and their commitment in these challenging circumstances, and for their continued and steadfast engagement with United Nations peacekeeping.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“This also contributes to protecting the communities in which operations are deployed. In that regard, we have continually focused on safely conducting rotations of uniformed personnel. Following their partial resumption in July, concerted efforts by troop- and police-contributing countries and missions have led to a steady increase in the number of rotated units and a decrease in the backlog of pending or postponed rotations. As of the end of December, 77 per cent of rotations scheduled for the second half of 2020 had been completed, 21 per cent of rotations were ongoing and only 2 per cent had been postponed. Those figures fully match those from before COVID-19.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Under-Secretary- General Khare will further address that area in his statement. The implementation of preventive measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including through physical distancing, travel restrictions, telecommuting and rotations of in- office staff, has remained a cornerstone of our approach. As of today, 25 January, across all field missions — totalling more than 100,000 people — 2,486 cumulative cases among United Nations personnel and their dependants have been recorded, with 2,047 recovered, 439 active cases and, unfortunately, 24 deaths. I would like to pay tribute to the peacekeepers who died because of COVID-19 and express my deepest condolences to their countries and families. Protecting the health, safety and security of peacekeeping personnel will remain a priority.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Despite the challenges the pandemic posed for mandate delivery, peacekeeping operations have also continued to prevent and respond to threats to civilians, as those have not been diminished by the pandemic. In Mali, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the operational tempo of peacekeeping operations has remained very high. Operations have been adapted to limit the risk of spread of the virus to local communities. Remote predeployment visits have been conducted to validate the operational readiness of contingents and units for deployment and rotation. Thirdly, while they have been adapting to these challenges, peacekeeping operations have put a constant and steadfast emphasis on ensuring the safety and health of their personnel, be they military, police or civilian.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“In the Central African Republic, despite daunting challenges and attempts to disrupt the holding of the elections, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) supported holding elections, including through an interim cooperation arrangement implemented in a very short time frame, with continued attention on preventing the spread of the virus. And in Mali, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) continues to use its good offices to support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States to assist in setting up the transition.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“With the collaboration of Member States, troop- and police-contributing countries and host States, missions have demonstrated adaptability, resilience and innovation. For instance, in Darfur, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) provided technical, advisory and logistical support for peace negotiations, including the facilitation of virtual meetings, which culminated in the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement in October. Now, virus-related restrictions continue to present challenges and risks as UNAMID continues its drawdown and liquidation process.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“In the Central African Republic, women leaders called on the signatories of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic to support the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and came out massively to advocate for peaceful and inclusive elections. Nonetheless, the pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities, as resources are diverted elsewhere. Incidents of domestic violence against women and girls have multiplied. Women are also disproportionately exposed to and impacted by the pandemic, due to their abundant representation in health-care roles, the informal sector, the service sector and as caregivers in the home. Secondly, despite these challenges, our peacekeeping missions continue to deliver on their mandated tasks.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“In Cyprus, restrictions have limited contacts between the two communities. In some cases, the pandemic has led to the crystallization of tensions among stakeholders. In Lebanon, it has exacerbated an already difficult political and economic situation. In the Central African Republic, some political actors have tried to leverage the pandemic as a pretext to delay the presidential election and establish an unconstitutional transition. The COVID-19 crisis has put a spotlight on the importance of women’s leadership during crisis. Women are on the front lines responding to and preventing COVID-19 and helping mitigate the political risks associated with the pandemic.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to update the Security Council on the measures taken to address the challenges the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses to peacekeeping operations and to the countries where they are deployed. I am pleased to join Under-Secretaries-General DiCarlo, Khare and Lowcock in briefing the Council. In my remarks today, I will focus on five key messages. First, since we last briefed the Council, in September (see S/2020/897), complex political situations have continued to feel the strain of COVID-19. In South Sudan, for instance, the pandemic has further delayed the implementation of the peace process, which was already hampered by a lack of political will and resources and has at times resulted in increased mistrust and hostility between the parties.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“It is the responsibility of the transitional authorities of the Sudan and the parties to the Juba peace agreement, with the support of the international community, to safeguard the gains made by UNAMID.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“The immediate peace dividends, the permanent ceasefire and the deployment of the joint security-keeping forces will change the dynamics on the ground and enhance ongoing Government efforts to gain the confidence of the local S/2020/1183 communities. That is the critical area for the United Nations and other international partners to further consider optimal modalities for support, in discussion with the parties. Finally, I would like to reiterate our appreciation for the African Union in managing the unprecedented hybrid mission. I would also like to commend the work of our colleagues in UNAMID. There were trying times in the history of UNAMID, but we believe that the presence of the mission averted large-scale violence in the difficult terrains and operating environments that it has faced.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“However, at the local level, the operation is facing resistance from State authorities and local communities with regard to the removal and withdrawal of assets and equipment from the team sites. If the drawdown process is further accelerated, the Government would need to provide further concrete support at all levels to facilitate the process, including the identification of feasible and viable civilian end-users for the team sites and a robust security plan to prevent looting and other untoward incidents. Under-Secretary-General Khare will speak more on that issue. Notwithstanding those challenges, there is a real opportunity to end the decades-long conflict in Darfur through the implementation of the Juba peace agreement.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“UNAMID is engaging both the central and local authorities, as well as community members, to ensure their cooperation during the drawdown, and also to address the claims and grievances of former national staff, which are increasingly being manifested through protests and demonstrations. The closure of team sites requires labour- intensive processes for environmental clean-up, repatriation and disposal of assets and equipment, including contingent- and United Nations-owned equipment — all of which must be secured throughout the process. The transitional Government has pledged its full support for the facilitation of an orderly and safe drawdown and liquidation process, as agreed in the outcome document of the Tripartite Coordination Mechanism on 25 October.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“UNAMID will continue supporting State liaison functions and other areas of substantive civilian support for peacebuilding, community engagement, human rights monitoring and police and rule of law assistance, including joint patrols with the Sudanese police, until the last day of its mandate, 31 December, if the mandate is not renewed. We must ensure that UNITAMS and the United Nations country team will be able to assist the Government during the drawdown period in maintaining peacebuilding support and enhancing protections so as to prevent a relapse of the conflict in fragile communities. Thirdly, coordinated political advocacy is required in order to support an orderly and safe drawdown of UNAMID and closure of the team sites.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Our remaining contingents would then be dedicated to the protection of the remaining UNAMID personnel, team sites and assets during the drawdown, while preparing for exit. In the event of a major security incident or threat to civilians in Darfur during this period, the onus would be on the transitional Sudanese authorities and the relevant institutions to respond, as UNAMID would not be able to intervene after 31 December if the mandate has ended. Secondly, it is critical that the transition from UNAMID to UNITAMS consolidate the gains made in peacebuilding. The State liaison functions funded by UNAMID have been a unique, innovative vehicle for joint planning and programming with the United Nations country team.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“The drawdown process will be a major undertaking in Darfur, and I would like to point out a few critical issues for the consideration of the Security Council. First, there is a need to coordinate international support for the Government and the parties to the Juba peace agreement, particularly its civilian protection force, in its efforts to protect civilians. This force is to be deployed to Darfur as UNAMID draws down. In that context, it is critical that we clarify the expectations and roles of UNAMID and the Government during the drawdown, in line with the UNAMID status-of-mission agreement. If the Security Council decides to terminate UNAMID’s mandate on 31 December 2020, our troops and formed police units will cease operations as of 1 January 2021.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“The situation in volatile IDP camps, such as in Kalma in South Darfur, Sortony in North Darfur, and Hamadiya in Central Darfur, and the areas around Golo, in the Jebel Marra region, will be of particular concern, as the Government forces do not yet have a sustained presence there, or even access. We believe that the recent positive indications by SLA-Abdul Wahid of potential involvement in the peace process could bring about a change in the disposition and situation of those constituencies. In the light of these developments, the Tripartite Coordination Mechanism recommended the termination of UNAMID at the end of its current mandate, 31 December 2020, followed by a six-month period of drawdown and liquidation S/2020/1183 S/2020/1183 thereafter.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“This new security arrangement is also in line with the Juba peace agreement, which included the establishment of the joint security-keeping force, composed of Government forces and signatory armed movements, to maintain security and protect civilians in Darfur. During the reporting period, Darfur has seen a spike in clashes involving Sudan Liberation Army (SLA)-Abdul Wahid elements and in intercommunal violence. Attacks against internally displaced persons (IDPs), civilians and protesters have also continued throughout the year. That reflects trends related to seasonal migration, but also anxiety and uncertainty among the Darfuri constituencies about the ongoing transition at the national and state levels.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“What is evident from those consultations is the firm and unequivocal resolve of the transitional Government to assume responsibility for the protection of civilians. We welcome and support that commitment. The national plan for the protection of civilians, developed by the transitional Government, is a comprehensive document that can serve as a basis for the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and the United Nations country team to develop a complementary support strategy going forward. Pursuant to decree 360 of 13 October, the Government has begun to deploy to Darfur a civilian protection force, whose size and reach are intended to surpass that of UNAMID.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“They constitute a solid basis for addressing the root causes of the conflict in Darfur and other areas of the Sudan, and also create the necessary institutional framework for the parties to the peace agreement to jointly assume the primary responsibility to protect civilians. In that context, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations have had extensive discussions on the way forward for UNAMID. We held a Tripartite Coordination Mechanism meeting in Khartoum at the end of October and met with other Government officials at the national and Darfur state levels during my joint visit with Mr. Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security. Details of those discussions are presented in the joint special report.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council. The African Union-United Nations joint special report (S/2020/1155), and its annex, on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), provide an update on the situation in Darfur. I will focus my remarks on the recommendations contained in the joint special report and what we foresee as the next steps and key issues. The joint special report recommendations should be considered in the broader context of milestone political developments, such as the signing of the Juba Agreement for Peace in the Sudan on 3 October and the Government’s national plan for the protection of civilians (see S/2020/429, annex), which was submitted to the Security Council earlier this year.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“In that spirit, I welcome the strengthened coordination mechanisms that the Coalition for the Sahel proposes putting in place, which will enable all international partners to build on their comparative advantages and work together more effectively in the development, humanitarian and security fields. In view of the situation in the Sahel, the international community must be driven by a shared responsibility to act swiftly in complementarity and in a spirit of solidarity with the populations of the region.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“The conclusions and recommendations of this assessment will be taken into account in the 2021 second quarterly report of the Secretary-General on MINUSMA. Despite encouraging progress in the operationalization of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, much more remains to be done. We should be mindful of the disastrous implications for the security situation of the rest of the West African region if the situation in the Sahel is not adequately addressed. As calls for the mobilization of additional resources to support the G-5 Sahel’s fight against terrorism continue, so do calls for increased mobilization to tackle poverty and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis that the region currently faces. Strengthening the Joint Force is indeed only one aspect of the international community’s support.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“In that regard, it is essential that it receive the assistance that it requires to carry out its mandated tasks. Moreover, while the current model relies on quarterly planning for the provision of life-support consumables, the Joint Force has indicated that detailed projections of needs are a challenge in the context of dynamic operations in a frequently changing environment, and the current support model unfortunately provides limited room for flexibility. At the request of the Council, the Secretariat will carry out an assessment of MINUSMA’s support to the Joint Force under resolution 2531 (2020) in early 2021. The assessment will highlight not only the progress made in that regard, but also challenges in implementing the enhanced support mandate.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Further to the Security Council’s authorization of MINUSMA to engage commercial contractors to deliver life-support consumables to Joint Force contingents operating outside Malian territory, the Mission began to make appropriate arrangements to implement such support. Based on the requirements identified and agreed by the G-5 Sahel, MINUSMA can now advance the procurement process. Nevertheless, as outlined in successive reports of the Secretary-General, the limitations of the current support model present significant obstacles. First, the issue of predictability of funding remains of concern. The United Nations, alongside the G-5 Sahel and other partners, continues to call for more predictable funding. The G-5 Sahel Joint Force plays a critical role in the regional response to violent extremism.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“It remains key for partners to streamline support to the police component. Moving to the implementation of the human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework of the Joint Force and the human rights due diligence policy, we can say that while essential work still remains pending, the Joint Force has taken significant steps in the right direction, notably mitigation measures put in place as a result of the ongoing establishment of the compliance framework. The responsive operational and logistic support of MINUSMA to the Joint Force remained critical to the Force’s operations, especially in Centre Sector. The provision of life-support consumables by the Mission has proved essential to sustaining the Joint Force, notably during the rainy season.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Joint Force units have increasingly acquired practical experience and efficiency in their operations. Operation Sama 1 ended on 31 July and was positively assessed, having resulted in significant losses registered on the part of terrorist armed groups. Operation Sama 2, launched on 1 August, is expected to last until the end of January 2021, with equally high hopes for a positive impact. Going forward, strengthening the Joint Force’s police component would be an important step not only in improving the oversight of military operations, but also in linking them to State-building and support to the justice sector and prison reform, as well as efforts under the human rights compliance framework. Admittedly, many areas still require urgent attention in order to implement the police component of the Joint Force.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“It takes a variety of actors to confront the daunting challenges in the region, and in that regard we welcome the increased coordination of security players on the ground. Such coordination of efforts allowed for a more visible presence of defence and security forces in the region, as well as stepped-up pressure on terrorist groups. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth noting that counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel have actually intensified. Against that backdrop, the Joint Force remains a vital part of security responses addressing extremist armed groups in the region, along with other cross-border challenges, including trafficking in persons, illicit goods, weapons and drugs. Since the last report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/476), the G-5 Sahel Joint Force has continued to rise in its operational strengths.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source