Of the “new solutions” must be found for Minusma, the peacekeeping mission in Mali, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (September 22) during a meeting on the Sahel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly united. “At the request of the Security Council, an overall review of the role of Minusma is underway. In light of the changes that have taken place in the country and the challenges that persist despite collective efforts, new solutions are needed.he said. I will make proposals to this effect in the months to come. »
In June, the UN Security Council extended Minusma for a year, until June 30, 2023, but for the first time without air support from France, which withdrew completely from Mali in August. . The decision, which provides for maintaining the current workforce (13,289 soldiers and 1,920 police), also asked the Secretary General to present a report by January to possibly adapt the format of Minusma and the evolution of its relations with the ruling military junta.
More generally, Antonio Guterres expressed concern on Thursday about “insecurity” and of “instability” in the Sahel. “Let’s be clear: the security crisis in the Sahel represents a global threat, did he declare. If nothing is done, the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will be felt far beyond the region and the African continent. “Reports of serious human rights violations committed by non-state armed groups, but also sometimes by certain security forces, are very worrying”added the UN Secretary General.
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