PRESS RELEASE : Empowering MINUSMA to adapt is essential to building peace and stability in Mali – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Mali.

Thank you, President, and thank you SRSG Wane for your briefing. I join others in expressing our deepest condolences following the deaths of two MINUSMA peacekeepers in December; we salute the dedication of all personnel and condemn any attacks on peacekeepers.

Let me begin, Mr President, by underlining that the UK remains committed to supporting the people of Mali as we are doing through humanitarian stabilisation and development aid, and as we have done through our contributions to MINUSMA. The Malian people deserve the support of the international community to address the challenges they have faced in recent years.

In this context, we welcome the publication of the Secretary-General’s report on the review of MINUSMA, and thank the Secretariat and the mission for all their efforts.

I have three points to make.

First, we agree with the Secretary-General that business as usual is no longer an option. The Mission cannot continue as it currently stands, with restrictions hindering operations and without the full cooperation of the host government. The safety and security of Peacekeepers is at stake, as well as the reputation of the UN if it cannot effectively deliver its mandate and uphold UN principles, including on human rights.

Second, the four parameters set out in the review are key for the continued viability of the Mission. We need to see tangible progress on the political transition and renewed commitment and dialogue on the Peace Agreement, including a way forward on DDR. We urge the Malian authorities to adhere to the Status of Forces Agreement, ensuring freedom of movement for Peacekeepers, and we expect to see greater access for the Mission to investigate human rights allegations.

Third, President, we need to re-evaluate the support provided by MINUSMA to the Malian Defence and Security Forces. As the Secretary-General highlights, a number of military operations have been marred by allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

As others have said, the report also confirms the presence in Mali of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. In this context, we need a hard look at the relationship with the UN mission and Malian forces.

President, the Council should use this review to take stock of the challenges and ensure the Mission adapts, as needed, in order to remain effective in a changed reality.

There is a short window until the next mandate renewal. Progress against the Secretary-General’s parameters will be essential if we are to empower MINUSMA to make a meaningful contribution to building the peace and stability the Malian people deserve.

Thank you.