The UN Security Council unanimously approved, Friday, June 30, resolution 2690 which puts an end to the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma); following the request made by the Malian government on June 16 to withdraw this Mission « without delay ».
According to the schedule retained in the resolution presented by France, the withdrawal process should begin on June 30 and be completed by December 31, 2023. Until September 30, 2023, MINUSMA is authorized to respond to imminent threats of violence against civilians and to contribute to the delivery of humanitarian aid under the direction of civilians.
The liquidation of MINUSMA will begin on January 1, 2024 and a guard unit will be maintained for the duration of this liquidation to protect the personnel, installations and assets of the Mission.
Some members of the Council regretted Bamako’s initiative to demand the withdrawal of MINUSMA, while security challenges still exist in the country; and others, such as Russia, rather welcomed the Council’s decision to respond positively to Mali’s request.
The Malian government has taken note of Security Council resolution 2690 which provides that « the process of MINUSMA retirement will begin on July 1 and end on December 31, 2003 », according to the comments of the Permanent Representative of Mali to the UN, Ambassador Issa Konfourou.
« While recognizing that MINUSMA has certainly not achieved its fundamental objective of supporting the Government’s efforts to secure the country, the people and the Government of Mali nevertheless welcome its contribution in other areas, particularly in terms of humanitarian and social assistance and the missions of good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations”, he tried to assure.
Just as he maintained that Bamako is committed to cooperating closely with the United Nations Secretariat and MINUSMA in the diligent implementation of this resolution and this, within the time limits.
In a statement following the Council’s resolution, the United Nations Secretary-General paid deep tribute to the 309 MINUSMA personnel who lost their lives in the service of peace during the ten years of the deployment of the Mission in Mali, and thanks all the partners who have continued to support MINUSMA in the implementation of its mandate.
While calling for the full cooperation of the Transitional Government for an orderly and safe withdrawal of Mission personnel and assets in the coming months, the UN boss reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people of Mali. and the authorities in all the trials that their country has undergone.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1233 of 03/07/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
