YouSaid · the spoken record

Wane

lines on the record: 246
first: 2016-11-18
most recent: 2023-08-28
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

“MINUSMA is also continuing its protection-of- civilian operations in Ogossagou and Douentza, as well as helping to protect critical infrastructure and providing access to roads. (spoke in English) The Mission has continued to pay particular attention to the human rights situation in Mali, in line with its mandate. The preliminary findings for the first quarter, from January to March, show once again that the majority of human rights violations and abuses were committed by extremist groups.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In that context, the Malian Government’s adoption in September 2022 of its political strategy for stabilizing the centre, launched in March in the presence of the Prime Minister, several Malian partners and representatives of MINUSMA, is an important step in advancing a comprehensive approach to the complicated crisis throughout the centre of the country. MINUSMA, which supported the development of the strategy, will support the permanent secretariat of the Cadre politique de gestion de la crise au Centre and the regional coordination committees, in addition to providing direct support on the ground through social cohesion, conflict resolution and reconciliation activities, including in the Niono, Douentza and Koro areas.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Central Mali also continues to face complex security challenges. Most of the incidents reported over the past three months have occurred in the Mopti and Ségou regions. In general, the operations led by the Malian Defence and Security Forces in those areas have disrupted extremist groups’ activities, mainly by forcing them to disperse to surrounding areas in the direction of Timbuktu and Gao. Under that pressure, extremist groups are using more improvised explosive devices targeting the ground movements of the Malian Defence and Security Forces, in addition to making surprise attacks on several police stations along the major supply routes.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In the past three months, the Islamic State and the JNIM have clashed near Bara, N’tillit, Anchawadi and Tessit. The signatory movements have also been involved in fighting with the Islamic State. The Malian Defence and Security Forces reported on the mainly aerial operations that they have been conducting against extremists in the region. In collaboration with them, MINUSMA is conducting protection-of-civilian patrols covering 17 sites for internally displaced persons in Gao and Ansongo, in north-eastern Mali, aimed at improving the security and safety of the displaced while at the same time preventing possible attacks by extremists. Operations were also conducted in other areas, including Djebock, which is approximately 34 kilometres to the north-east of Gao, as well as elsewhere in the region.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In addition, the Mission is pursuing its reconciliation and social cohesion activities with the aim of defusing the growing intercommunal tensions. The Mission has also on occasion supported local authorities through the provision of essential social services, including the delivery of drinking water to the displaced population in Ménaka. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the humanitarian actors for their commitment and to plead for the provision of additional resources so that they can respond to the needs on the ground. So far only 8 per cent of the $751 million requested by the 2023 humanitarian response plan has materialized. In addition to Ménaka, Gao and the centre of the country are also still dealing with difficult situations. In the Gao region more than 61,000 people have been displaced over the past year.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“I saw first-hand the devastating impact of those developments during my visit to Ménaka three weeks ago, my fifth such visit since my arrival in Mali in 2021. The influx of internally displaced people has increased pressure on the humanitarian response, with populations in urgent need of drinking water, food, medicine and shelter. Listening to the displaced people as they literally begged us for drinking water was a shocking experience. In an increasingly complicated environment, MINUSMA, with its limited capabilities, continues to do its best to protect civilians through a combination of day and night patrols in coordination with the Malian Defence and Security Forces, up to 15 kilometres outside the city of Ménaka.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“The Malian Defence and Security Forces are conducting operations against the ISGS around the town of Ménaka and in areas further south, including Indelimane, while carrying out convoy escorts along the Ménaka-Anderamboukane axis and on the road between Ménaka and Ansongo. On 24 March, the armed forces of the Niger announced that they had conducted operations aimed at pursuing elements of the ISGS in Hamarat, in the Ménaka region. Despite those efforts, the security and humanitarian situation remains dire, with more than 30,000 people currently displaced who have sought refuge in the city of Ménaka since the beginning of last year. Around 2,400 displaced persons have also found refuge in an area less than two kilometres to the north of the MINUSMA camp in Ménaka.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Subsequently, in June of the same year, I highlighted my concerns about the worsening security situation and its consequences for the protection of civilians (see S/PV.9061). I also highlighted the limited capacities of the Mission and the Malian authorities to deal with it. Since the beginning of the year, the situation has further deteriorated, with the resurgence of clashes between the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), which are competing to increase their areas of influence and control supply routes and engage in relentless attacks on the civilian population.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to address the Security Council today. I will begin with an update on the security situation, which will be followed by an overview of political and other developments related to the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). As described in the report of the Secretary-General before the Council (S/2023/236), the security situation remains volatile, marked by ongoing acts of violence by terrorist groups in some areas of Mali, with devastating consequences for the civilian population. The Council may recall that it was around this time last year that I first briefed the Council on the ongoing security crisis in the Ménaka region in north-east Mali (see S/PV.9012).”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In that regard, the review requested by the Council provides the opportunity for Mali and other members of the international community to determine the best way forward. As the Council considers the recommendations of the Secretary- General, it is worth keeping in mind that stabilizing Mali is critical not only for the country itself, but also for the entire region.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“The ongoing transition offers a unique opportunity to advance the agreement — an opportunity that cannot, and should not, be squandered. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Algeria’s steadfast commitment and role in the efforts aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. I also pay tribute to the other members of the international mediation for their role. Let me conclude by underlining that the situation in Mali continues to warrant sustained attention and engagement, particularly from the Security Council. MINUSMA has now been deployed in Mali for nearly 10 years. Over that period, the Mission has accomplished much, but the objectives that were set by the Council are yet to be fully achieved and the context has witnessed significant changes.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“In December, I travelled to Algiers to talk with Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, who subsequently visited Mali for consultations with the Malian authorities. Follow-up discussions took place in Algiers, with a visit by the Malian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Malian Minister for National Reconciliation in mid-January. A few days ago, I met with the Malian Minister for National Reconciliation to exchange views on the way forward. Consultations were also held with the signatory movements. I encourage the parties to spare no effort to overcome the current difficulties and achieve decisive progress in the implementation of the peace agreement. Ultimately, they bear the primary responsibility for the success of that process.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the movements were given slots in the ad hoc commission established by the transitional President to finalize the draft constitution to ensure that the institutional reforms required for the implementation of the peace agreement are taken into account. Unfortunately, in the past two months, new challenges arose with disagreement over the level of participation of the Government in the ordinary sessions of the Agreement Monitoring Committee and other related issues. That culminated in the decision by the signatory movements in December to suspend their participation in the peace process. MINUSMA, along with the other members of the international mediation, led by Algeria, spared no effort to promote dialogue among the signatory parties to overcome the current difficulties.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“My last briefing to the Council took place against the backdrop of renewed momentum in the implementation of the peace process, following the August high-level decision-making meeting among the Malian parties and the subsequent ministerial session of the Agreement Monitoring Committee in September 2022. Not only did the parties endorse the Government’s proposal for the integration of 26,000 combatants into State structures, including the Defence and Security Forces, but they also agreed to set up an ad hoc commission to resolve the outstanding issue of grades and ranks for senior officers of the signatory movements. The terms of reference of the ad hoc commission were agreed, and MINUSMA pledged to extend the necessary support for its proceedings.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“To date, only 60 per cent of the resources required for the United Nations basket fund for electoral support has been mobilized. I encourage international partners to increase their support to Mali in that crucial endeavour. For its part, MINUSMA, including in collaboration with the United Nations country team, is providing technical and logistical support to the electoral process. Steps are under way to increase that support. The second aspect is the evolution of the security situation, which affects all stages of the electoral cycle. MINUSMA will provide all possible support to the Malian authorities in their efforts to secure the electoral process.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“On that last point, it is worth mentioning that in December, in view of the reactions of various stakeholders, the transitional President established a 51-member committee to finalize the draft and ensure sufficient buy-in within Malian society. Meanwhile, a series of consultations with political parties and civil society have been conducted by the transitional authorities to discuss various aspects of the preparations for the constitutional referendum and other elections. Those initiatives must be encouraged and supported, as inclusion and consensus are crucial for the overall success of the transition process. Two other aspects will determine the trajectory of the electoral process. The first is the availability of the necessary financial and logistical resources.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“The Malian authorities continue to demonstrate a commitment to holding the polls on time, as illustrated by the establishment of the central structures of the new Independent Authority for Election Management, following the adoption of a new electoral law in June 2022, the drawing up of a preliminary draft constitution and the update of the electoral register from October to December, even though turnout remained low. However, several challenges remain. They relate in particular to the full operationalization of the new Independent Authority for Election Management, which requires the establishment of local offices across the country, as well as the finalization of the ongoing constitutional review process.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation for the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which allowed for a productive discussion on the human rights situation in Mali and Mali’s obligations in that regard, including by strengthening existing cooperation and collaboration efforts. (spoke in English) Mali is less than two months away from the constitutional referendum that would mark the first of a series of polls expected to culminate with the restoration of constitutional order in March 2024.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“In the same vein, I would like to underscore the Bamako Court of Assizes’ conviction of an individual, on 24 January, for a terrorist attack that was carried out in February 2019 and led to the death of three Blue Helmets. The most recent assessment of the human rights situation for the reporting period revealed that there was a slight decrease in the total number of human rights violations and that terrorist groups were the primary perpetrators of such violations. MINUSMA will continue to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses, and, to that end, we count on the full cooperation of the Malian authorities.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law during military operations and accountability obligations in cases of violations are of the utmost importance in order to effectively address the scourge of terrorism and extremism. In that regard, the Mission has maintained dialogue with the Malian authorities and has continued to provide technical and capacity-building support. In 2022, the Mission organized 122 training and awareness-raising sessions for slightly more than 3,000 members of the Malian Defence and Security Forces, including 563 women. The promulgation by the transitional President of a law establishing the modalities for compensation for damages resulting from serious human rights violations is a measure we welcome, and it should be commended.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“However, in order to be successful, those operations must be based on a holistic approach that targets institutional, governance and socioeconomic challenges, which together create a fertile breeding ground for the spread of violent extremism. The strategy for the stabilization of the central regions, adopted by the Malian Government last August, is an important step in that regard. Emphasis must be placed on its decisive implementation. For its part, MINUSMA has strengthened its cooperation with the permanent secretariat of the Cadre politique pour la gestion de la crise au centre du Mali and supports the operationalization of the regional governance committees, as outlined by the strategy. Along with the United Nations country team, we have aligned our activities with the priorities set out by the Malian Government.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“More specifically, I would like to underscore the importance of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights for the safety and security of our Blue Helmets. They are also important for the implementation of our protection of civilians mandate. We will continue to work with the Malian authorities by drawing upon the new procedures agreed on 15 November 2022 and in subsequent discussions — the most recent having been held on 18 January — to reach a lasting agreement on the authorization of drone flights. As has been said many times, the fight against terrorism must necessarily have a military and security component.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“That is also a concern that was raised by the Malian authorities. The judicious use of existing resources and capacities, be they Malian capacities or MINUSMA capacities, is vital, in particular for the protection of civilians. During the reporting period, we maintained contact with the Malian authorities on those issues. On 18 January, the Mission held an in-depth discussion with the Chief of Staff of the Malian army with a view to strengthening joint planning and coordination mechanisms. I hope that tangible and diligent follow-up will enable us to make progress on that important issue. Lastly, respecting freedom of movement, in line with the status-of-forces agreement, is crucial.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Moreover, the Pakistani helicopter unit, which is currently based in Timbuktu, will be transferred to Mopti. We are also working with the Malian authorities to make land available to allow for the deployment of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unit, which has long been promised by China. Efforts are under way to replace the units that are leaving the Mission or that intend to do so. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of those efforts, because the number of troops expected to leave accounts for 17 per cent of the total number of authorized troops for the Mission. Secondly, we must strengthen coordination with the Malian Defence and Security Forces, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Mission’s mandate and the November 2017 protocol agreement between MINUSMA and Mali.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Those sites have been the target of attacks perpetrated by extremist elements, the most recent of which took place at the end of December 2022 and beginning of January 2023. Our operations are also ongoing in other regions of Mali, in which we are deployed. In the future, MINUSMA’s capacity to contribute more effectively to improving the security situation in support of the Malian Defence and Security Forces will depend on several factors. The first factor relates to making available the capacities required and the timely replacement of troop-contributing countries that have decided to leave the Mission. It is encouraging to note that additional air resources from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to be deployed in Timbuktu, Gao and Mopti, respectively, in the coming months.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“To date, only 38 per cent of the $686 million requested under the humanitarian response plan for 2022 has been pledged. Over the previous quarter, MINUSMA continued to make sustained efforts to protect civilians despite the difficult environment in which the Mission operates and the significant capability gaps facing it. Of course, that was done in support and to complement the efforts of the Malian Defence and Security Forces. Among other activities, I would like to highlight that day and night patrols in Ménaka continue jointly with the Malian Defence and Security Forces. In Gao, new plans have been implemented with our Malian partners to strengthen the protection of the sites for displaced persons on the outskirts of the city.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“In 2022, the Mopti region experienced the highest number of incidents and highest proportion of casualties. Due to the persistence of security challenges, the number of internally displaced persons remains high, reaching just over 410,000 in December. In total, 8.8 million people need humanitarian assistance, which is a 17 per cent increase as compared to the beginning of 2022. Two million children under the age of 5 remain affected by acute malnutrition. The safety of humanitarian personnel remains a major concern, with numerous incidents impacting humanitarian personnel in 2022, including, unfortunately five humanitarian workers killed in the regions of Kayes, Ménaka and Ségou. Equally important is the need to mobilize additional resources.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Among other examples, I would point to the blockade of the village of Tessit, in the Ansongo cercle, in December, and the attacks carried out by extremists affiliated in JNIM against the village of N’tillit, also in the Ansongo cercle, in January. Similar pressure exerted by extremists on civilians has been observed in the Ménaka region. The Malian Defence and Security Forces have intensified their efforts in the centre of the country, which has made possible an improvement in some localities and a decrease in the number of security incidents. Nevertheless, extremist groups still have the ability to carry out complex coordinated operations, as evidenced by JNIM-claimed attacks in the Tenenkou cercle, in the region of Mopti, and in the Macina cercle, in the region of Ségou, on 10 January.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“The activities of Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) continue to fuel insecurity in Gao and Ménaka, while the other northern regions are seriously affected by the displacement of the affected populations. Two aspects are worth highlighting in that regard: first, the clashes between JNIM and EIGS, as observed in various places in December and January, in particular in the Ansongo cercle, in the Gao region, and in the Anderamboukane cercle, in the Ménaka region; and secondly, the continued deliberate attacks against civilians by ISGS and JNIM.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Against that backdrop, this meeting takes on renewed importance. It will allow us to consider the developments over the past three months, while bearing in mind the Mission’s overall performance and the trajectories that could be contemplated after its presence in Mali for nearly 10 years. I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me to make an intervention at this stage, and I appreciate the Council’s continued support to MINUSMA. In my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.9154), I highlighted the complexity of the security environment. The situation has remained complex in recent months, particularly in the centre and in the tri- border area between Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“I address the Security Council at a pivotal moment in the ongoing collective efforts to promote lasting peace and security in Mali. Three aspects are worth highlighting in that regard. First, we are halfway through the mandate cycle of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) renewed last June, with an emphasis on supporting the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, the transition process and stabilization of country’s central regions. Secondly, Mali is beginning a critical year on the road to a return to constitutional order, with several elections scheduled beginning in March. Finally, we just concluded the strategic review of the Mission requested by the Security Council, with proposals on the way ahead.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Yesterday, as has unfortunately often been the case throughout the Mission’s deployment, an improvised explosive device struck again, killing four of our peacekeepers and wounding two others. They join the many Malian, United Nations and other international service members, as well as countless Malian civilians, who have paid the ultimate price in our collective endeavour for peace. That is a stark reminder of the fact that the international community and the Malian people are all in this together. We can only win this battle together, and the United Nations, in spite of the inherent limitations of peacekeeping, offers the best framework for achieving lasting peace in Mali and the broader Sahel.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“I welcomed the outcome of the coordination meeting held with the Malian authorities in early August, which paved the way for a resumption of rotations and the subsequent establishment of a technical committee to look at various aspects of our partnership. The Mission is committed to engaging constructively with the Malian authorities to address the challenges at hand, ensure full transparency and create the necessary environment for the successful execution of its mandate, including with regard to freedom of movement, in conformity with the status of forces agreement. Now is more than ever the time to work together and with urgency in order to deliver on the aspirations of the people of Mali and, more broadly, the region.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Against that backdrop, MINUSMA will continue to do all it can to enhance the effectiveness of its response. In that respect, I would like to echo the Secretary- General’s call for the urgent provision of missing capabilities of long standing. MINUSMA has shown extraordinary resilience, given its difficult operating environment. We are using our resources as creatively and flexibly as possible and our men and women on the ground are going to great lengths to fulfil the objectives that have been set. However, that determination cannot be a substitute for the assets we so desperately need to do our job. As the Secretary-General points out in his report, to a large extent the Mission’s effectiveness is also contingent on the extent of the cooperation we receive from the Malian authorities.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“The laudable efforts of humanitarian actors to meet those needs are hampered by a lack of adequate and sustainable funding. So far, only 30 per cent of the $686 million requested for 2022 has been mobilized. In view of those developments, let me conclude by underlining that the situation in Mali continues to warrant sustained international attention and engagement, particularly from the Council, which for the past 10 years or so has unwaveringly supported the country’s stabilization. The people of Mali have demonstrated great resilience amid multiple challenges. They continue to forge ahead and harbour a strong desire for peace and stability. Their efforts deserve the full support of the international community, and it bears emphasizing that stabilizing Mali is a sine qua non for the stabilization of the entire region.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“The Mission continues to provide support on military justice, as well as to the Specialized Judicial Unit against Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime. The current environment has compounded the humanitarian situation in the country. The number of IDPs rose from 350,000 to more than 422,000 in the centre and north, while more than 175,000 Malian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. More than 1.8 million people are facing severe food insecurity — a figure that could rise to 2.3 million by November. More than 1.2 million children under the age of five are affected by acute malnutrition. As of May, more than 1,950 schools in Mali were closed due to insecurity, affecting nearly 600,000 children, mainly in the central regions of Mali.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“One such example relates to the project between MINUSMA and the army staff headquarters, which in February began working to ensure the integration of human rights norms and standards in the planning and conduct of military operations, including through the institutionalization of human rights education in the curricula of training institutions for defence personnel in Mali. The Mission is also providing technical assistance to strengthen the legal framework for the promotion and protection of human rights and other related issues. With technical support from MINUSMA, a national criminal policy and prosecutorial strategy on terrorist-related crimes was adopted by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights on 12 September.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“The next quarterly report covering the period from July to September will be published in the next two weeks. That line of work is a critical component of our mandate, as determined by the Council, and its sole purpose is to contribute to the promotion of lasting peace and stability. We therefore look forward to the full cooperation of the Malian authorities in the implementation of that aspect of our mandate. It is in that spirit that MINUSMA is supporting, in parallel, initiatives by the Malian authorities to strengthen respect for human rights and reinforce the fight against impunity. During the reporting period, the Mission conducted 13 human rights trainings for security forces and other national stakeholders.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“In that respect, the full implementation of the newly adopted Malian strategy for the stabilization of the central region and similar efforts elsewhere in the country will be critical. Secondly, it is imperative that every effort be made to ensure that Government-led military operations are carried out in compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law and that the perpetrators of violations and abuse are held to account. That point can never be emphasized enough. For its part, MINUSMA will continue to monitor and investigate any reports of alleged violations and abuses. The latest quarterly human rights report for the period from April to June found that the overall number of violations had decreased and that terrorist groups were the main perpetrators.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Examples include the coordinated attacks on the Malian armed forces in various locations in July; the attack on the village of Diallassagou in June; and the blockade from May to September of national road 16, a major supply route, hampering freedom of movement and halting commercial activities. The number of attacks targeting the southern part of the country have also increased, unfortunately. While the fight against terrorism necessarily includes a military and security component, it is obvious that no lasting results can be achieved if two basic conditions are not met. The first is the need for these efforts to be complemented by a restoration of State authority and the rebuilding of trust with local communities.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“The prevailing security situation in Ménaka and the Gao region underscores the need for greater coordination between MINUSMA and the Malian forces. It also points to the urgency of completing the DDR process and deploying the reconstituted army, as that will significantly enhance the ability of the Malian State to address the current challenges. The security situation in the centre of the country also remains fragile. Although the Malian Defence and Security Forces continue to put pressure on groups affiliated with Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, extremist elements retain the capacity to conduct coordinated attacks on the Malian armed forces, sabotage infrastructure and terrorize local communities through reprisal attacks.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Other measures relate to the deployment of long- range patrols, including, currently, in the Talataye area and the Ansongo cercle in the Gao region, and the activation of integrated teams, as was the case on 5 September, when the Gao Head of Office led a mission to Ansongo town to assess the humanitarian situation in the area following threats by the Islamic State. MINUSMA also launched foreign intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights over the Talataye area in September to identify locations with internally displaced persons (IDPs) stranded following the clashes on 6 September between the Islamic State and Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin. That said, we have to acknowledge that the needs on the ground far outweigh MINUSMA’s abilities with its current resources.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“In Ménaka, for instance, since I last briefed the Council in June (see S/PV.9061), the Mission has enhanced its presence with the redeployment of a company initially based in Ansongo, making it possible to increase ground patrols in the city and its surroundings in close cooperation with the Malian armed forces while similar operations are being carried out by MINUSMA police. Armed air assets based in Timbuktu have also been mobilized to conduct deterrence operations in the region, as well as in the Gao area, amplifying our collective response to the security situation.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“As outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, the security remains volatile in the centre of Mali and in the tri-border area between Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger. Since March, there has been a sharp increase in the activities of extremist elements affiliated with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and with Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin in the Ménaka and Gao regions. The extremist groups are taking advantage of security voids that the Malian forces are striving to fill and are fighting for territorial control while targeting the Malian forces and MINUSMA alike. In that context, MINUSMA strives to better protect civilians, keeping in mind the State’s primary responsibility in that regard.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“It should also be noted that the transitional authorities are implementing a much more ambitious reform programme, in accordance with the recommendations of the national dialogue on the reform process, to improve governance in Mali. As the Council is aware, governance-related challenges and shortcomings that date back several years are at the heart of the crisis in Mali. We plan to work closely with the Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team, to see how we can support the overall reform agenda. (spoke in English) The developments that I have just highlighted are unfolding against the backdrop of a very challenging security, humanitarian and human rights situation, with severe consequences for civilians across large parts of the country.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Finally, with regard to the situation in central Mali, on 24 August the Malian Government adopted a strategy to stabilize this region which, as the Council knows, has been a long-standing request of the Security Council. The strategy is based on four axes: peace, security and social cohesion; governance and justice; economic and humanitarian recovery; and communication and cooperation. In addition to providing support to developing that strategy, MINUSMA has also been working to align its activities with the strategy’s priorities. A mapping of our activities to date shows that more than 100 projects, some completed, some ongoing and some planned, are in line with the Government’s strategy, covering areas such as training, infrastructure rehabilitation, reconciliation and the promotion of social cohesion.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“In parallel, MINUSMA and the two Malian commissions in charge of the DDR process and integration, respectively, have made visits to the regions to assess the logistical and technical conditions necessary for the launch of comprehensive DDR process. I must add here that those visits were particularly well received, by both the local authorities and the local populations. Here again, in terms of the peace process, MINUSMA is actively involved alongside others in the international mediation process, including its leader and Algeria. In addition to monitoring the ceasefire on an ongoing basis, the Mission is using its good offices and providing significant technical, logistical and financial support to the implementation of the peace process.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Steps are being taken to follow up on the outcome of the meeting at the decision-making level, with a particular emphasis on the operationalization of the ad hoc commission responsible for making recommendations, on a case-by-case basis, on how to manage the issue of senior members of the signatory movements, including in relation to the issue of the chain of command. The terms of reference of that commission have been approved, and its members should be appointed shortly. The successful completion of that commission’s work will pave the way for the launch of the comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Subsequently, the follow-up committee for the Agreement held two meetings — a ministerial meeting on 2 September chaired by Foreign Minister Lamamra of Algeria and an ordinary meeting on 11 October — thus marking the resumption of the work of that structure, which is essential to dialogue between the Malian parties and ensuring interaction between them and the international mediators. I would also like to add that three of the four sub-committees of the follow-up committee for the Agreement have also resumed their work. The last sub-committee is expected to meet shortly.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“An integrated electoral support plan for the 2020 to 2024 electoral cycle is currently being finalized. Since August, there have been encouraging developments in the peace process. In early August, the long-awaited high-level decision-making meeting was held and resulted in the adoption of the Government’s proposal to integrate 26,000 combatants into the Malian Defence and Security Forces and other Malian State structures. During the meeting, consensus was also reached on the way forward for the institutional reforms required for the implementation of the Agreement.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source