Mali: ‘Critical year’ begins in country’s return to constitutional order
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- 02 Feb 2023
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Stabilizing Mali is crucial, not only for the country but for the entire region, UN Special Representative El-Ghassim Wane told the Security Council on Friday.
The envoy was addressing ambassadors at what he called a “unique juncture” in the efforts to promote lasting peace and security in the West African country.
“Mali is ushering in a critical year in terms of returning to constitutional order,” he said, with several votes scheduled starting in March.
Work in progress
Mr. Wane heads the UN mission in Mali, known by the French acronym MINUSMA, established nearly a decade ago following insecurity in the north and a military coup.
While much has been accomplished in that time, “the objectives that were set by the Council are yet to be fully achieved, and the context has witnessed significant changes,” he said.
“As the Council considers the recommendation 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,” he added, referring to an internal review of MINUSMA, launched last year.
‘Complex’ security situation
Mr. Wane last briefed the Council in October, reporting on progress in restoring civilian rule in Mali in the wake of the August 2020 military coup, ongoing insecurity and rising humanitarian needs.
Since then, the security situation remains “complex”, particularly in the centre of the country and in the tri-border region with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Due to the activities of extremist groups, internal displacement remains high. In December, the figure amounted to some 412,000 people.
Overall, 8.8 million people require humanitarian assistance, a 17 per cent increase since the beginning of 2022. Two million children under five remain affected by acute malnutrition. Read More…
