Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at the UN Security Council briefing on Mali
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif for the briefing on the situation in the country and the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
We believe that amidst present-day circumstances the Council must not cease its attention to the developments in this country. We remain deeply concerned about the situation in Mali in light of the coup d’état that took place on 18 August, 2020. Mali needs to create conditions for swift resuming of inclusive nation-wide dialogue. This dialogue should elaborate mechanisms that will get the country back in the constitutional framework.
We have taken note of the decisions made by the interim authorities in this regard, including the Transition Charter, appointment of President and Prime Minister. Formation of a ministerial cabinet is also a step in the right direction. We welcome the discharge from custody of former Prime Minister Boubou Cissé and other high-ranking officials arrested on 18 August. We expect that the terms of the transition period – 18 months – will be strictly upheld, to be followed by general elections.
Prospects for stabilization in Mali fully depend on whether the new authorities and other political forces will scrupulously follow the Algiers Peace Agreement. We hope this will be subject to constructive dialogue with groups-“signatories”. Security and governance reforms should continue, and the interests of all peoples of the country, especially in its northern territories, must be duly accounted for.
Terrorists, who, judging by their recent attacks, feel increasingly comfortable, must not be given an opportunity to benefit from the current predicaments. Militants' self-made explosive devices hit civilians more and more often, as was the case in September, when a bus and an ambulance were impacted. Especially alarming is the situation in Mopti, which is arena for recurrent attacks on military patrols and convoys. Violent inter-ethnic and inter-communal clashes continue in the center of the country. In general, Mali has suffered an increase in assaults and abductions, upsurge of delinquency, racketeering and robberies, growth in the number of human rights violations.
The humanitarian situation is also a great concern. Coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the need for food assistance. Schools remain closed, and medical facilities have to withstand a heavy burden. This asks for an urgent reaction of humanitarian agencies.
We support the efforts of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the area of political mediation for Mali. We highly commend the role of the ECOWAS and its Special Envoy for Mali, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan. We call on the Malian authorities to closely engage with colleagues in the region. We welcome the fact that steps aimed at restoration of Constitutional rule have led to the lifting of ECOWAS's restrictions for Mali.
We have to be mindful that the situation in Mali is a key factor of regional security. We expect that Malian armed forces will remain part of operations of G5 Sahel Joint Force, and that decisions to galvanize counter-terrorist action made at the regional summit in Nouakchott will be put to life.
Bamako and MINUSMA must by all means set forth their close cooperation. Peacekeepers must proceed with efficient implementation of their mandate in Mali’s northern and central regions. We welcome the assistance to G5 Sahel Joint Force provided via MINUSMA, and its help in countering the COVID-19. At the same time, we would like to stress that the main responsibility for protection of civilians, reinstallment of control of the northern territories, and resolving of socio-economic and other problems, befalls the Malians themselves.
In conclusion, we express our appreciation to Special Representative M.Annadif for his effective leadership of the Mission.
