YouSaid · the spoken record

Ladsous

lines on the record: 1,177
first: 1992-11-19
most recent: 2017-03-16
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“Now it is time to consolidate our achievements and make practical progress in stabilizing the country - and the region, since everything is connected - and for that we need major political support from the Council and robust support and sufficient resources for MINUSCA. Because, and let us say it out loud, if the situation continues to develop as positively as it has been recently, MINUSCA will not have to prolong its stay in the Central African Republic. While we cannot deny that the road will still be long and sometimes difficult, I am firmly convinced that, with the commitment of the Central African Republic and the sustained assistance of the international community, the country will be able to succeed in closing this sad chapter in its history and move resolutely towards a promising future.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“The gains that have been made in the Central African Republic over the past three years, in particular over the past 12 months, have shown that United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa can make a real difference. When our operations have good leadership and the right capabilities, they can play an irreplaceable role - in support of national efforts and together with international partners - in promoting and supporting the reforms that are essential to a lasting solution to a conflict and to stability. Since the beginning of the crisis, the Council has provided indispensable support to the Central African Republic.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“I believe that in its entire history the Central African Republic has rarely, if ever, received such a level of support and commitment. We therefore count on the President more than ever to ensure that all the priorities outlined in the Mutual Engagement Framework and the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan are fully implemented, with a view to transforming the daily lives of all Central Africans. It is also essential that the rest ofthe country's institutions work in concert with the Government to advance those commitments in a spirit that must be guided by the country's interests. More than ever, it is time for national unity if we are to overcome all these challenges.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“More than 2 million Central Africans, more than half the total population, are in need of assistance, particularly food assistance. I believe that number represents the highest ratio in the world today, and we cannot ignore it. In that regard, too, we need donors to make good on their generous pledges so that we can do everything possible to support the efforts of the Central African authorities to facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes. In conclusion,withregardto the visionthat President Touadera has just outlined to the Security Council, I would like to reiterate that he has the continued support of the United Nations and MINUSCA, and in Bambari we have been able to prove that.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“The appointment of a special prosecutor of the court, the current accelerating rate in the recruitment process for national magistrates and judicial police, the adoption of a strategy to protect victims and witnesses and the support of Council members for the court are all important so that transitional justice efforts are given the means to finally address the deplorable legacy of human rights abuses. The international community's solidarity with the Central African people was demonstrated through the pledging of over $2.2 billion at the Brussels Conference in November. More than ever, I urge the countries that demonstrated such generosity to keep their promises so that development projects can finally begin and accelerate. We should also not forget the serious humanitarian situation that the country is facing.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“We welcome the commitment of all members of the African initiative and we hope that it strengthens President Touadera's efforts in connection with the armed groups, while respecting the outcomes and recommendations of the Bangui Forum, including by addressing in a mutually supportive way the imperatives for justice and reconciliation in full respect of the strong and legitimate expectations of the Central African people. The Government of President Touadera has demonstrated its support for the establishment of the special criminal court to ensure that impunity does not prevail for the most serious crimes. We are aware of the consequences that the culture of impunity has had in the past in his country. That must all be brought to an end.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“I would also like to underscore the importance of President Touaderas determination to step up the dialogue with the armed groups, while at the same time ensuring that the voices of the population, and in particular the victims of the conflict, are heard. The subregion, which has stood by the Central African Republic since the crisis erupted in 2012, has a critical role to play in support of the dialogue efforts. That is why the Secretary-General has publically expressed his support for the African initiative for a peace and reconciliation agreement between the Government and all armed groups.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“Successful disarmament requires that all groups wholeheartedly commit themselves and that a broad agreement that responds, first and foremost, to the aspirations of the population and the armed groups is put in place. Past experiences in the Central African Republic and in other contexts demonstrate that we must not give up on our efforts. We must persist, and our efforts must be accompanied by financial support. In that respect, allow me to express my appreciation for the announcement by World Bank Vice-President for the Africa Region, Mr. Makhtar Diop, together with President Touadera , that the World Bank would to provide $30 million for the national DDRR programme. This must all be carried out.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“As President Touadera stated earlier, the operation in Bambari yielded a political dividend in that both the FPRC and the anti-Balaka faction led by Maxime Mokom have now agreed to designate representatives to the advisory follow-up committee on the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) process, led by the President. All 14 of the main armed groups have now joined the Committee, whose first meeting, I believe, is scheduled for 23 March. That would have not been possible without the tireless efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA. The progress that has been achieved is significant, but it should not obscure the fact that neither military force alone nor DDRR programmes will resolve the armed group problem that plagues the country.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“MINUSCA also apprehended, on 26 February, three leaders of the FPRC-led coalition in Bambari, who have since been formally charged by the national judicial authorities on a number of counts. MINUSCA did what was necessary to restore security in Bambari and to fend off efforts by the armed groups who were trying to take the town by force. MINUSCA's presence is also intended to pave the way for the stabilization of the town over the long term and to restore State authority. A detachment of 31 gendarmes arrived in Bambari on 9 March, and three magistrates were in place the following day. The United Nations system is also supporting a series of coordinated short- and medium-term plans to promote community dialogue and social cohesion, revive the local economy and improve access to education and health care.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“Since my briefing to the Council on 15 February (see S/PV.7884), the political and operational engagement of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has made it possible for important progress to be made, that is, restoring State authority in the strategically important city of Bambari, thereby demonstrating the extent to which the peacekeeping operation can be a critical tool to support change in the country. MINUSCA used its air assets twice to prevent the advances of the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique (FPRC), which was directly threatening the civilian population, and successfully facilitated the departure from Bambari of the leader of the Union pour la paix en Centrafrique, Mr. Ali Darassa, and of other armed group commanders.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“That progress is especially reflected in improved security in the capital, the adoption of a number of crucial reforms and accelerated efforts to advance security sector reform, establish the rule of law and bolster the fight against impunity. We must acknowledge that this progress is promising. Nonetheless, there are still formidable challenges. That is why we must remain more firmly committeed than ever to this issue.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“It is a great pleasure for me to address the Security Council in the presence of His Excellency President Faustin Archange Touadera, whom I welcome to the Chamber. His presence here provides us with a unique opportunity not only to update the Council on the progress made, but also to take a moment to reflect on the challenges we face and the solutions we should envision as partners. If we recall the situation almost a year ago, the presidential and legislative elections were taking place. They marked an important milestone in the country's history following a prolonged crisis that brought the Central African Republic to the edge of the abyss. Much progress has been made in the country over the past 12 months thank to the tireless efforts of the President himself and the Government and the people of the Central African Republic.”
2017-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7901 (2017) · source
“However, provided that the established partnerships endure and grow stronger, and provided that the population itself is determined, then the establishment of lasting peace in the Central African Republic is within reach.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“That is the purpose of the agencies and international financial institutions. Clearly for MINUSCA, stability, the establishment oflasting peace, the progress of national reconciliation and combating impunity and transitional justice are crucial. Disarming armed groups and security sector reform are also essential. Focus should be placed on the most affected regions. More than ever, MINUSCA and the United Nations system as a whole must continue to support the people of the Central African Republic, thereby building a foundation for sustainable peace and development, such as established by the mutually agreed priorities in the compact. The Mission cannot be seen as the only answer to all the challenges being faced.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Last year agricultural production rose 26.3 per cent. That would suggest that farmers are returning. Moreover, we are seeing displaced persons returning to some of the regions, beginning to cultivate their lands once again. The economy has been stimulated. We must not stop there. We must learn from past experience. There is one lesson in particular. Too often in the past the international community has reacted only at the height of a crisis. Then, as soon as the main symptoms have disappeared, the international community turns its attention away from the country and the crisis. In such cases, there is the danger of the resurgence of the crisis, and that must be avoided. We need to consolidate using all available means. We need to consolidate the economy and human rights.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Although that had its difficulties, Ibelieve it can be said that the combined efforts of the Mission, the forces of Operation Sangaris and, at the time, the European Union-led peacekeeping force made it possible to avoid additional mass atrocities. Above all, those efforts also made it possible to avoid the complete collapse of the Central African State. Constitutional order has been restored. The Central African Republic is moving forward under its President and Government. It has a functional Parliament. The authority of the State is being strengthened in the provinces. All of that should be taken into account without, however, deluding ourselves. Of course there are problems, but indicators are pointing generally in the right direction. I will give a small example. We all know how important agriculture is to the country.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Soon three years will have passed since its inception. It will have been one year since President Touadera took office. Let us examine how far we have come. Three years ago the Central African Republic was on the brink of the abyss. Genocide was more than possible - it even seemed probable. And that posed a grave threat to the subregion. There was the security risk, a variety of destabilizing elements and extremism in the country and region. That is why the Council at the time recognized how urgent it was to act by authorizing the deployment of MINUSCA, building on the work that had already been accomplished by the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Given the current situation, I believe it is now more important than ever that the countries and organizations that pledged funds fulfil their promises and disburse those funds. On the occasion of that conference, we signed the Mutual Engagement Framework, also known as the compact, a significant instrument that the Ambassador of the Central African Republic recently shared with the Council. It is a mechanism of extraordinary importance intended to strengthen the partnership between the country and the international community. I am absolutely convinced that it will help us in the coming period to address the deep-rooted causes of the conflict. In that regard, we will continue to do our utmost to support the authorities and to ensure that this receives the relevant follow up. MINUSCA is the Organization's youngest peacekeeping operation.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Indeed, 2.2 million people, that is, more than half of the population, are affected to various degrees by food insecurity - the highest percentage in the world. Recent events have also led to the displacement of another 100,000 persons, which is a problem of course. It is also an issue for humanitarian actors, as the environment in the Central African Republic remains dangerous for them. It should be noted that 31 per cent - practically one third - of security incidents around the world in 2016 affecting the staff of non-governmental organizations took place, sadly, in the Central African Republic. Last November during the conference held by the European Union, the Central African Republic received pledges of â‚¬2.2 billion, which is significant.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“We have significantly rearranged our deployment scheme and have endeavoured to enhance mobility. In particular, we have reduced the number of bases so as to ensure greater flexibility. We now have the Portuguese quick-reaction force. An intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance company has been deployed. The air fleet has been reviewed, with particular focus on our night medical evacuation capability. We are also about to deploy a surveillance drone company provided by the French armed forces; I believe this will have a strong deterrent effect on those who continue to create problems on the ground. In that context, we would have hoped to begin to see some peace dividends. Sadly, they remain elusive, as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate; violence in the provinces is contributing to this state of affairs.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Let us not overlook the fact that we have made progress, in the framework ofa formal dialogue, on all these initiatives. We deem particularly interesting the fact that on 30 January the national authorities launched a national campaign to recruit 500 police officers and gendarmes. We would note, moreover, that the first infantry company of the Central African Republic armed forces, which was trained by the European Union Military Training Mission, will soon be deployable. In addition, the appointment of the Special Prosecutor of the Special Criminal Court, whose selection we were eagerly awaiting, was announced this very day by the President; this is a very significant step forward in this process of ensuring justice for all. MINUSCA is continuing to adapt to this evolving situation.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“The United Nations welcomes and supports this African initiative, as clearly this is a matter of collectively paving the way for a resolution of the conflict and the lasting peace that the Central African Republic has so long desired. I believe that the efforts personally undertaken by President Touadera vis-a-vis the armed groups should continue, and all of these initiatives and elements must be brought together. We must also safeguard the gains made by the Bangui Forum and continue to work as proactively as possible towards achieving the goals of justice and reconciliation. However, the armed groups, and this is a very clear message that I am addressing to them, must not forget that the vast majority of the population of the Central African Republic aspires to the restoration of peace.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“In particular, we are exploring the possibility of implementing, jointly with the Government and the World Bank, a pilot DDR integration project that would ensure the disarmament and demobilization of 480 former combatants, half of whom would be integrated into the gendarmerie, following proper vetting procedures, and the other half involved in social reintegration activities. All of this, in particular the recalcitrant attitude of these groups, must be addressed. In that context, I should like to highlight the initiative just undertaken by the African Union, ECCAS and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, accompanied by Angola, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to promote an African initiative for peace and reconciliation between the Government and all the armed groups in the Central African Republic.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“We know from our experience in other contexts that a DDR process that does not include all warring parties is likely to encounter major difficulties and be doomed to failure. We know also that for a DDR process to have greater credibility, the overall environment must be secure. In that respect, the two recent events that took place in Bangui and in the Bambari region remain causes for concern. That is why, while continuing to aim for a broad agreement encompassing all parties, we are continuing to undertake a series of actions aimed at reducing the level of intercommunal violence and prolonging the pre-DDR initiative, which has already mobilized some 4,000 former combatants.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“As the Council is aware, an agreement on a strategy in that respect was reached with 12 of the armed groups within the framework of the Consultative Follow-up Committee, headed by President Touadera. However, the situation is constrained by the fact that the two principal armed groups that I have already mentioned, Noureddine Adam's FPRC and Maxime Mokom's anti-balaka group, remain outside of the framework of the DDR agreement. Along with the Government, we are continuing to engage with both groups to try to get them on board, since it is clear that if there is a DDR process to which not all armed groups have signed on, in the absence of a broader agreement aimed at addressing the legitimate grievances of those groups, the inclusiveness of the process cannot be guaranteed.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“We deployed two sections of the Portuguese rapid-intervention force that has just been deployed to the Central African Republic, alongside two special-forces detachments around the town. I would note here that the Government issued a declaration on 13 February expressing firm support for MINUSCA's actions and urging the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities. The Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the AU representative in Bangui both issued declarations expressing strong concern at the continued fighting between armed groups. This leads me to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) policy.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“As part of its intervention, MINUSCA destroyed at least four pickups, all this following very strong warnings from the Mission to both parties to the effect that MINUSCA was determined to use force to protect civilians, in line with its mandate and with the appeals made by the subregion, the African Union (AU) and the Government of the Central African Republic, which have continued to call for robust action on our part. Despite our intervention and our advocacy efforts with the armed groups, certain coalition elements were nevertheless able to enter the town of Ippy, which is further west. Since then we have strengthened our temporary operational bases in the zone and established a checkpoint north-east of Bambari to prevent any new movements by the coalition towards Bambari, which, again, is very strategically important.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“It is in that context, and against the backdrop MINUSCA's efforts to protect civilians, that on 11 February MINUSCA attack helicopters engaged a column of approximately 300 elements of the coalition led by the FPRC moving with pick-up trucks heavily armed with machine guns. The goal of the operation for us was to deter the group from crossing a demarcation line. We had told them and other warring parties about it in advance, as we wished to prevent a major conflict from occurring in the strategically important town of Bambari, on the Ouaka river. One of the only bridges over the river is located there, so this was very important.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“There is also the problem of ongoing clashes between rival ex-Seleka factions - such as the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique (FPRC) and the Union pour la paix en Centrafrique - which clearly continues to undermine the central region, along with a worrying ethnic connotation. The continuing clashes are fuelled by power struggles and disputes regarding control over resources and access to transport routes - all of which threatens the peace process in the country. But that also constitutes an intolerable burden for the population, as well as aggravating an already alarming humanitarian situation.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Malinga's bodyguards opened fire indiscriminately in the course of the operation, killing two civilians and wounding a child. Malinga and two of his men were fatally struck during the exchange of fire that followed, while three Central African gendarmes were wounded. As a result of the operation, MINUSCA and the internal security forces continued to conduct robust patrols and outreach to communities. In contrast to the relative calm in Bangui, violence associated with the seasonal migration continued in the north-west of the country. However, it should be noted that in general the movement of shepherds with their millions of head of livestock takes place peacefully.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“The Security Council has before it the report (8/2017/94) of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Central African Republic and on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). I should like to begin by giving the Council a brief overview of the main developments since the publication of the report. The security situation in Bangui as a whole has gradually stabilized over the past few months. On 7 February, Central African internal security forces supported by MINUSCA launched an operation in Bangui to apprehend Youssouf Malinga, self- proclaimed leader of a self-defence group that on several occasions threatened civilians and fuelled inter-community tensions.”
2017-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7884 (2017) · source
“Please forgive me for going on at such length. I regret that, unfortunately, the circumstances have impacted the tone and tenor of my briefing. I really wanted to convey to the Council a sense of urgency about the worrying state of the peace process in Mali. But it nevertheless remains the only possible avenue for achieving peace and reconciliation. Everyone must be fully committed to the implementation of the peace Agreement. There is not much time left.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“However, the indicators must be met, that is, they must help to address all the shortcomings I mentioned. I would call on the members of the international mediation to redouble their efforts to re-energize the Agreement's follow-up mechanisms. On the margins of the fourth high-level seminar on peace and security, held in Oran in December with the African Union and Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, we discussed the need for a high-level meeting of the international mediation, which I think should be held as soon as possible. We must also continue to focus on establishing a common vision ofhow to deal with dissident groups. I believe that the members of the Security Council must not forget that they have the option of imposing targeted measures against all those who violate the ceasefire and deliberately hamper the peace process.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“The implementation of the development strategy for the north has not yet begun, more than a year after the international conference for the economic recovery and development of Mali. It is imperative that armed groups put an end to their obstruction of humanitarian access, while the Government and its partners must work more closely together to create the conditions for sustainable prosperity and growth in order remedy a situation in which millions of young Malians are still living under very precarious conditions. The Government of Mali, with the support of MINUSMA, has developed indicators of progress that have been annexed to the Secretary-General's report. They will serve as a working and dialogue tool for a more systematic assessment of the progress made by the parties in Mali in the implementation of the peace Agreement.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“We are in constant contact with troop- and police-contributing countries, which we thank for the capacities they provide. I think that, more than evert, a determined, additional effort is needed to close the gaps. It is of paramount importance to restore the confidence of the Malian population. The window of opportunity to generate tangible peace dividends on the ground is closing. We continue to receive reports of serious violations of human rights by armed groups, and sometimes by State actors. The Government has in the past done little to combat impunity. Above all for people in the north ofMali, things are slow to change. A lack of basic social services along with food insecurity and chronic poverty all contribute to hindering trust from taking hold and becoming entrenched.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“As called for in the resolution, we continue to work to strengthen links with the member countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel. The Council also called on us to adopt a more robust and proactive stance to protect civilians suffering from the deteriorating security situation. However, the only viable solution to that problem is the redeployment of the Malian defence and security forces to the north and the centre of the country. A frank and constructive dialogue must then begin on the impact of drug trafficking and other transnational crimes on security and the peace process. In spite of the sustained efforts, we still face significant capacity gaps - including helicopters and other aircraft, armoured vehicles, logistical support and protective gear - that hinder our ability to implement our mandate.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“While the number of attacks on the Malian armed forces, MINUSMA and international forces has declined over the past three months, their level of sophistication remains a cause for growing concern. Complex attacks on our air capacities have grounded some of our helicopters and impeded their operational capability. We need to consider this situation in depth, because if the security situation continues to deteriorate at the current pace there will soon be no peace to maintain in Mali. We must condemn such attacks and be aware of their regional dimensions, including recent lethal attacks on security forces in the Niger and Burkina Faso close to the Malian border. All ofthis highlights the imperative role of the regional partners in the peace process and in the work of MINUSMA.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“The announcement by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in September 2016 of the convening of a national reconciliation conference - now scheduled for March under the auspices of the Minister for Foreign Affairs - could offer a genuinely inclusive forum to address all the root causes of the crisis and involve all components of Malian society in order to map a path towards national reconciliation. I welcome the appointment of the Ombudsman of Mali, Mr. Baba Hakim Haidara, to lead the preparatory committee, and hope that this important conference can be held by the deadline that has been set. However, this morning's tragedy demonstrates the extent to which the terrorist phenomenon is becoming more and more disturbing in northern and central Mali, as well as in the subregion.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“Let us not forget, however, that 2017 is to be an important year for regional elections and a constitutional referendum in Mali. All stakeholders must therefore strive to find common ground, and we count on the Government to ensure that these elections are held in an open and inclusive environment that will contribute to reconciliation. One key point that must be stressed is the election of many women, who now represent nearly 30 per cent of elected municipal councilors in Timbuktu, Gao and Bamako.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“One of the pillars of the MINUSMA mandate, a cornerstone of resolution 2295 (2016), is the restoration and extension of State authority across all Mali. In this regard, the Mission supported the Government in the preparation of the local elections of 20 November. These were the first elections held since 2009, and unfolded in 92 per cent of the municipalities of Mali. Unfortunately, they did not take place in the Kidal, Menaka and Taoudenni regions, or in certain localities of Gao, Mopti and Timbuktu, due to security incidents and impediments to voting. On the eve of the elections, armed groups and opposition parties repeatedly expressed their objections to the organization of elections, which they believed should take place only after the establishment of the interim authorities.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“All this endless delay is deeply regrettable and hinders the cantonment, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. All eight cantonment sites that have been built and equipped with the support of MINUSMA have been fully operational but remained essential empty since October. Some institutional and political reforms are required but have yet to be transformed into action. The definition of criteria for the integration of ex-combatants, security sector reform and the redeployment strategy of the Malian defence and security forces has yet to be finalized by the Government. Similarly, an inclusive and long-term dialogue on the restoration of State authority and institutional reforms is necessary if these reforms are to bring real change.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“It was only after intense negotiations and thanks to the good offices of MINUSMA, international mediation and the High Representative of the President of the Republic of Mali for the implementation of the peace Agreement that the armed forces of Mali and the armed groups are now regrouped at Gao for the launch of the long- awaited mixed patrols. Clearly, we must wait and see what consequences this morning's tragedy may have. Similarly, the rivalry among armed groups over the presidency of the interim authorities in Kidal has so far prevented their establishment. I was in Kidal in May last year, where I met with the Governor-designate, who told me that he would assume his functions within a week. That was in May, while it is now January of the following year.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“For instance, following the ministerial meeting on the peace Agreement held in the margins of the General Assembly in New York in September, armed groups finally submitted, after a year's delay, the lists containing their candidates for the Operational Coordination Mechanism, the interim authorities, the Commission on Integration and the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission. Since then, however, every attempt to implement joint patrols has failed, mainly because of disputes among the signatory parties on logistical and financial issues. As a result, we have made insufficient progress.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“We note the recent heightened fragmentation of armed groups, particularly within the Coordination des mouvements de l'Azawad, and the repeated attempts of dissident groups to disrupt the peace process, all of hampers the implementation of the Agreement. I must stress that only five months remain until the end of the interim period. The absence of tangible results is of major concern and leads me to question the real will and commitment of the signatories of the peace process. As I have said, there has been some progress.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“I reiterate that time is against us, and the United Nations remains more than ever deeply committed to supporting the Government of Mali and the signatory parties in the speediest possible implementation of the Agreement. We have reached a pivotal moment. I recall that the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed more than 18 months ago, while the interim period was intended to last 24 months. In other words, more than 18 months have passed yet, despite some advances, too little progress has been recorded. It must be said that since the last Council meeting on Mali (see S/PV.7801), the implementation of interim institutional and security arrangements has basically stagnated and remains undermined by persistent disagreements and a lack of trust among the signatory parties.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“MINUSMA, Operation Barkhane and the Malian armed forces are currently working as hard as possible to assist the victims and secure the town of Gao. We condemn with the utmost firmness this cowardly and ignoble attack, which constitutes a direct attack on the peace process. It was clearly aimed at derailing the peace process by undermining trust between the signatory parties and the people, as well as at countering the recent progress in the implementation of the security arrangements of the peace Agreement. This incident highlights once again the fact that an acceleration in the implementation of the Agreement is the only possible way to stabilize Mali and to bring the peace process to fruition.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims, to the Government of Mali and to the parties to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, the perpetrators of the heinous attack must be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible. We are trying to better understand the situation. What we do know is that a car bomb exploded at around 9 am. inside the Operational Coordination Mechanism camp, where close to 600 troops ofthe Platform coalition of armed groups, the Mechanism and the Malian armed forces had been stationed for the past three weeks in preparation for joint patrols. The explosion caused heavy casualties. An initial assessment puts the death toll at over 60, with several dozen wounded - some critically so.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to present the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Mali (S/2016/ 1137) to the members of the Security Council, and to review with them the most recent developments in the country. I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, and thank him for the Government of Mali's ongoing support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). I also welcome the representative of Algeria, a leader in international mediation, for his tireless commitment to the promotion of the peace process in Mali. Before beginning my briefing, I would like to pay tribute to the victims of the dreadful suicide attack on the Operational Coordination Mechanism camp in Gao.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7864 (2017) · source
“Undoubtedly, long-term, comprehensive solutions remain necessary to create the conditions for the return or resettlement of the people who remain in displacement in the region - I would recall here that the figure is 2.6 million people - as well as for the resolution of the deep causes of conflict: access to land, water and other resources. Now more than ever, we must call on all stakeholders in Darfur to continue working with UNAMID and the international community so that we can achieve these goals.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7860 (2017) · source