The neutralities of India, the United Arab Emirates, and the condemnations of the Russian Federation and China, have prevented a common position of the UN Security Council on the sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS in Mali during its recent summit held in Accra, Ghana. The joint declaration in support of the sanctions of the West African organization was desired by the Western bloc led by France, and supported by Ghana, Gabon and Kenya.….
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https://www.un.org/press/fr/2022/cs14762.doc.htmCOVERAGE OF MEETINGSCS/1476211 JANUARY 2022SECURITY COUNCIL8945TH MEETING – MORNING
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THE SITUATION IN MALI – S/2021/1117, S/2022/8
Statements
Mr. EL-GHASSIM WANE, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, explained that instead of presenting the Secretary-General's report, he preferred to provide an update on the most recent progress and challenges. He thus recalled that over the weekend, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an extraordinary summit to take stock of the measures taken by Mali to move towards the holding of elections and a return to constitutional order. The Summit follows the National Refoundation Conference held from December 11 to 30 at local and national level. Following the conclusion of the Assizes, on New Year's Eve, the Malian authorities transmitted to the President of ECOWAS their results as well as a projection for the holding of elections at the end of 2026. On January 5, the ECOWAS Mediator was dispatched to Mali for new consultations which made it possible to adopt a revised proposal for the holding of presidential elections at the end of 2025.
As stated in their statement, the heads of state and government considered the proposed timetable to be “unacceptable” and urged the Malian authorities to focus on a rapid return to constitutional order. They confirmed the individual sanctions put in place on December 12 and pronounced new ones, in particular the recall of the ambassadors of the ECOWAS States to Mali, the closure of the land and air borders between these States and Mali, the suspension of all commercial and financial activities -with exemptions for food products, medical supplies, oil and electricity-, the freezing of the assets of Malian public companies in commercial banks in the region, and the suspension of financial aid of ECOWAS.
As indicated by ECOWAS, Mr. Wane continued, these sanctions must be reviewed and gradually lifted pending the finalization of an acceptable timetable for the elections and the necessary progress towards its implementation. The Special Representative indicated that Mali has returned the favor by announcing the recall of its ambassadors and the closure of borders with ECOWAS member states. In an address to the nation, Transitional President Goita said that Mali remains open to dialogue with ECOWAS to find a compromise that would reconcile the aspirations of the Malian people and respect the principles of the Organization. Mr. Wane recalled that the National Assembly for Refoundation highlighted the need to improve the implementation of the Peace Agreement. International mediation, led by Algeria and including MINUSMA and other international actors, continued to be actively involved. Thus, on January 5, the mediation met for the third time since October 2021 and requested the organization of a decision-making meeting between the Malian signatories. A high-level seminar to be organized next week will also allow all stakeholders to better operationalize the recommendations of the Independent Observer.
The Special Representative stressed that MINUSMA has continued to constantly engage with the Malian parties and international actors in support of the peace process. It also continued its efforts on the ground, in particular by supporting the reconstitution of the battalions which are now integral parts of the Malian armed forces, including in Kidal. A series of consultations have been undertaken over the past few months with the support of MINUSMA to identify strategic approaches, priority efforts and rapidly achievable actions in areas such as security, governance, development and aid. humanitarian.
According to Mr. Wane, the series of coordinated attacks on MINUSMA camps, as well as the death of 28 peacekeepers in 2021, including 7 Togolese in a single incident in December, demonstrates the dangerous environment in which the MINUSMA works. He noted that the conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians and the humanitarian situation. The number of displaced people has increased from 216,000 in 2020 to more than 400,000 a year later. The deteriorating security situation is also affecting agricultural production, even though more than 1.8 million people are expected to need food aid in 2022 compared to 1.3 million in 2021. In such difficult circumstances, the response to the he humanitarian appeal has remained lukewarm as only 38% of the necessary funds have been received. Stronger support from the international community is urgently needed to close this funding gap, the Special Representative said.
Despite a very difficult environment and capacity challenges, MINUSMA continues to do its best to protect civilians, he assured, stressing that this has created a more favorable environment by defusing tensions and by strengthening peace efforts. MINUSMA, in support of the Malian armed forces, also protects key roads and vital infrastructure for increasingly isolated populations. Likewise, the Mission is supporting humanitarian efforts in villages that have been surrounded for months by extremist groups in central Mali. Steps have also been taken to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, he said. He noted that Chad has recently offered additional troops for MINUSMA, a development welcomed by the Malian authorities. According to the Special Representative, this would also provide more flexibility to respond to threats against civilians and peacekeepers, while providing the Mission with more space to support the Malian defense and security forces.
Mr. Wane said that as the country faces difficult times, there is a deep yearning among Malians for reforms, better governance and a more effective state. Mali's partners should therefore build on these aspirations to help lay the foundations for lasting stability, he recommended, also asking for all possible efforts to resolve the challenges associated with the transition process. Beyond the political transition, it is crucial that the Security Council continue to pay the same attention to the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to stability at the center, two other constituent elements of a stable Mali. , added Mr. Wane.
Ms. ADAM DICKO, Executive Director of the Youth Association for Active Citizenship and Democracy (AJCAD), reiterated the objective of her organization which is to promote social justice and democratic values in Mali. Then she recalled that her country has been plagued by conflict, violence and instability for 10 years. Dozens of conferences and other international summits have been held without ever really making room for those who, on a daily basis, are mobilized for greater social justice, the defense of human rights and the construction of a Mali in peace, denounced the activist. After 10 years of failed strategies aimed at resolving the Sahelian crises, Ms. Dicko added, it is time to initiate a change of course, to show more humility and to allow the development of common solutions in which the local populations fully recognize each other.
"On behalf of all young Malians who aspire to a better tomorrow", the Executive Director of AJCAD pointed to the virus of social, economic, political and environmental inequalities, which hinders access to essential services, deprives millions of young people of happiness and pushes most of them to live in misery. This "mutant" virus adapts by taking advantage of a system plagued by poor political governance, a lack of transparency and a democratic deficit which means that many Malians do not feel integrated into a society that at best ignores them, worse excludes them.
For the activist, the deterioration of the crisis calls for making observations. From a security point of view, she considered the current military response, which had shown its limits and its inability not only to overcome the threat, but also to contain it, to be unsuitable. Disappointed young Malians are revolted against a state that can no longer ensure their safety, she testified, warning that the most fragile join extremist groups for pecuniary and material reasons, but also and often, to protect their relatives.
Young people are wondering about the repetition of actions by so-called “opposing points of view” countries, seeing them quarreling over interests of geopolitical belonging on a new terrain after Syria, Afghanistan, or even Libya. She pleaded for Mali not to become the new battleground for world powers, asking the Security Council not only to live up to its responsibilities but above all to be exemplary. “The Malian land deserves better than being a land of political score settling. “It is not on your statements but on your actions that you will be judged, pointed out the activist.
Reiterating that Malian democracy is in bad shape and lacks sincere friends, Ms. Dicko denounced the fact that, in the name of sacrosanct stability, the powers are negotiating compromises that weaken the already weak democracy. For her, there is an urgent need to guarantee greater transparency in public life and in the relations that the members of the Council have with Mali. She denounced the financing solutions for entrepreneurship which are above all intended to avoid migratory flows rather than seeking to facilitate real economic and financial development of the beneficiaries. Aid is as important as the conditions under which it is granted, she stressed.
Regretting that the issue of governance has been minimized for too long by those who claimed to provide the solution to the Sahelian crises, Ms. Dicko said that it is nevertheless at the heart of the challenges in Mali. She noted that there is talk of bringing the state back to areas where it has been absent for years and which have been taken over from so-called jihadist groups, but that we never question the nature of the State that there is talk of reinstalling. “Is bringing back a state often seen by young people as indifferent to its fate, even perceived as predatory, is it the solution? asked the activist. Mali suffers from a broken social contract, she recalled, emphasizing the challenge which consists above all in transforming the State and public action so that they are at the service of all Malians and Malians.
Before concluding, Ms. Dicko called on the Security Council to have confidence in the people of Mali and in their civil society, which are the key to resolving the current crises. “It is essential that our civil society be supported, accompanied and strengthened. “Through it, we will improve governance by working for more transparency and accountability in public action, argued the activist who promised new solutions and a new way of living together. She asked the Council to intervene in the rapid search for a solution to the political situation between the Malian Government and ECOWAS.
Mr. NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France) noted that the situation in Mali is extremely worrying and noted that the transitional authorities have not honored their commitments. Regretting the absence of a realistic trajectory for a return to constitutional order, he denounced the shrinking of the democratic space and said that he fully supported all the efforts of ECOWAS to obtain respect for the commitments of the transitional authorities and the organization in reasonable deadlines for the elections to close the transition period. He also regretted the lack of progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and the absence of an integrated strategy for the central regions, which leaves the populations in the grip of insecurity and the deterioration of the situation. humanitarian. Furthermore, like ECOWAS, he deeply regretted that the transitional authorities were using already limited public funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting national forces and public services for the benefit of the Malian people. “France and its closest partners have strongly condemned the deployment on Malian territory of mercenaries from the Wagner group, known for threatening civilians, violating international law and the sovereignty of States. »
France remains determined to support Mali and the Malian people, said Mr. de Rivière before calling on the transitional authorities to resume the path of dialogue, to move forward in the concrete preparation of the elections on the basis of a credible timetable, to make progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and to develop a strategy for the centre. “We recognize the seriousness of the challenges facing Mali and we do not underestimate the magnitude of the task. This is why we are continuing our military operations to deal with the terrorist threat in the Sahel. This is also why, added the representative, we have always maintained our development aid and our humanitarian aid for the benefit of Malians, just like the European Union. He also indicated that he was strengthening his support for Malian civil society by welcoming its vitality. The representative of France reiterated his support for MINUSMA and the Special Representative, and welcomed the commitment of troop-contributing countries. He said he was very concerned about the risks posed by the deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner group to the proper fulfillment of MINUSMA's mandate, recalling that he had learned in this regard from the serious experience of MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission for stabilization in the Central African Republic). Reiterating to continue efforts to meet the needs of Malians, Mr. de Rivière called "once again" on the transitional authorities to resume dialogue and clear commitments for a return to constitutional order.
Mr. JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom) regretted the death of eight peacekeepers following attacks that had become too frequent. These incidents show the seriousness of the security challenges and underscore the need for concerted efforts by the Government of Mali and international partners to stabilize the country. These efforts must be led by a legitimate government that responds to the needs of its population, said the representative, denouncing the Transitional Government which “seeks to extend its mandate”. "Disappointed" by Mali's request to delay elections for up to five years, the representative noted that this calls into question its commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Supporting ECOWAS mediation efforts, Mr. Kariuki called on the transitional authorities to prepare the elections without delay so that constitutional order can be restored as soon as possible. For him, it will be up to the next democratically elected government to carry out all the longer-term reforms.
He encouraged the transitional authorities to continue to work in good faith with ECOWAS, so that a credible electoral timetable can be agreed. Mr. Kariuki noted the widening of the conflict towards the south and considered that the confirmed presence of the Wagner group in Mali risks further destabilizing the country. We have seen how the human rights of civilians and how peacekeepers have been endangered by the presence of Wagner forces in the Central African Republic, recalled the representative for whom their deployment will only increase the challenges facing Mali. He urged the Malian government to rethink its decision. He also said that British troops are making a tangible contribution to the objectives of MINUSMA, including with regard to the protection of civilians in hard-to-reach areas. Denouncing the shrinking space for human rights actors in the country and continued obstacles to women's participation in political and peacebuilding processes, the representative said his government is funding programs to help hear the voice of Malian women. He ended by urging the transitional authorities, the signatory armed groups and all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to include women and young people.
Mr. VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said that the obligation to restore constitutional order must be implemented taking into account the realities on the ground, which have their own logic and require certain adjustments. Referring to the legislative elections, he said that unless state control is restored in many parts of the country, the results of the polls will hardly be considered reliable. And it will set a direct path to further political instability as happened in Mali in 2020, he warned. He also claimed that the "excessive" outside interference in these matters, "which we have witnessed in recent months", can only complicate the situation.
Mr. Nebenzia noted that the security situation remains precarious, with extremists continuing to terrorize the local population, and carry out attacks against Malian military formations and UN peacekeepers. He noted that following the closure of some French bases in the country, the Malians find themselves alone and considered that the Malians have the right to interact with other partners who are ready to cooperate with them in the field of strengthening of security. Criticizing such actions is misleading and disrespectful to a sovereign state, the delegate said. Similarly, the imposition of sanctions against this country already facing many difficulties could lead to unfortunate consequences.
The delegate then considered that decisions regarding the modalities of MINUSMA's mandate, including the number of forces involved, must be taken in the light of the opinion of Bamako, adding that the Russian Federation supports the principle of “African problems – African solutions”. Recognizing that the situation in Mali is a key regional security factor, Mr. Nebenzia said he was ready to consider proposals to extend assistance to the G5 Sahel Joint Force through the UN Security Council. UN.
For Mr. JUAN RAMÓN DE LA FUENTE RAMÍREZ (Mexico), Mali is a very complex case of corruption, violence and armed conflict. He noted that the postponement of the electoral calendar by five years, decided by the Transitional Government, further complicates the political and security situation, and asked the Malian authorities to present an electoral calendar that does not extend the transition period.
The representative took note of the sanctions adopted in Ghana last Sunday and called for these not to affect humanitarian action. He then stressed that only a legitimate government in Mali can meet the many aspirations of the population. Concerned by the advance of violence in the center of the country due in particular to the insufficient security presence of the Malian State, he invited the latter to ensure territorial sovereignty and security in Mali.
On behalf of the A3s (Ghana, Gabon and Kenya), Mr. MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon) said he recognized the urgent need for the people of Mali to live in security and to have a government that represents them. The rapid increase in military expenditure in the context of insecurity has reversed the priorities of the Government, he acknowledged. He lamented that despite the increase in these military expenditures, the abuses of armed groups have not decreased. He called for filling the void left by the closure of French military bases in northern Mali.
The representative welcomed the Assises de la Refondation, while noting that the measures decided upon will certainly require the means to restore peace and security in the region. He called on the transitional authorities to take into account their commitments and the ideals that bind them to the African Union (AU). The A3s urge the Security Council to welcome the final communiqué of the ECOWAS Summit, which recalls that a faster transition should be initiated as soon as possible, Mr. Biang said. He also urged the Council to support the closure of land and air borders between the countries of the region and Mali as well as the freezing of assets of the Malian State in the regional banks of ECOWAS. Mr. Biang pleaded for these sanctions to be honored bearing in mind the operational needs of MINUSMA, in particular the need to fight terrorism in Mali, also calling for logistical, material and financial support for the Force. of the G5 Sahel, within the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. According to the A3, only a joint office could allow the proper implementation of such support, said the representative who also proposed the deployment of a rapid intervention brigade as is the case for certain missions such as the MONUSCO. For the A3s, the Council must consider additional measures to fight against terrorist groups in the region, which also involves strengthening MINUSMA's air assets.
Finally, the representative expressed the concern of the A3s at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Mali. He welcomed the fact that ECOWAS sanctions do not affect key items of humanitarian action such as medicines or petroleum products.
Mr. T. S. TIRUMURTI (India) condemned the attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers and called on the Malian authorities to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. He stressed the urgency of implementing the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement and strengthening security throughout the territory. Concerned about the uncertainty of the political situation, he called on Malian stakeholders to reach consensus on the substantive aspects of the transition, including the reform program of the Transitional Government, electoral reforms and the transition period. He hailed the hopes raised by the holding of the National Conference on Refoundation and called on the stakeholders to advance the resulting recommendations. He also hoped that the transitional authorities will undertake the necessary political, electoral and institutional reforms and will work towards the holding of elections and the return to a democratic government.
Mr. Tirumurti also deplored the lack of progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and urged the transitional authorities and other signatories to speed up the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. He also called for a strong regional response to deal with the terrorist threat in Mali. The restructuring of the presence of international forces should not create a security vacuum but be complemented by a strong presence of national and regional forces, he said. He then urged the UN to provide greater support, including financial support, to the G5 Sahel Joint Force. It is also important that MINUSMA has the necessary resources to carry out its mandate, he added, emphasizing the security and safety of peacekeepers.
Ms. LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States) first offered her condolences to the relatives of the peacekeepers killed at the end of 2021, and said that peacekeepers must have the necessary equipment to guarantee their safety, particularly in the face of attacks using improvised explosive devices. She then called for support for all efforts made by MINUSMA and ECOWAS to help the authorities implement the political transition and implement the Peace Agreement.
The representative decried the complete lack of political will of the Malian transitional authorities with regard to the holding of the elections, urging them to keep their commitment to restore democracy. A five-year transition is not in the interest of the Malian people, she insisted, further emphasizing the importance of women's participation. The representative also called for concrete progress in the implementation of the Algiers Accord, particularly with regard to the integration of former combatants and the participation of civil society groups led by women.
Continuing, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern about the growing instability of the security situation, citing in particular inter-community conflicts, gender-based violence and the very serious situation in the center of the country. Welcoming the important work of MINUSMA with women victims of sexual violence, she called on the authorities to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice. She also deemed it necessary to increase the troop ceiling and provide them with faster reaction capabilities to enable them to protect civilians in the center of the country. We must also help the blue helmets to protect themselves better, thanks to explosive ordnance disposal teams.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield then became concerned about the presence of individuals linked to the Wagner group, seeing it as a threat to MINUSMA and the Malian people. MINUSMA deserves to know if these so-called contractors are part of official bilateral aid and, if so, they should be held accountable by their country of origin, she said.
The representative then called on the transitional authorities to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect civilians, restore state authority, provide basic services, particularly in the center of the country, and ensure the holding of elections . “Our goal is to work with you,” added the delegate, speaking directly to the representative of Mali. “Let us work together to welcome Mali back into the family of nations where Mali belongs. »
Mr. FERIT HOXHA (Albania) expressed concern about the deterioration of the security situation in central Mali and considered it imperative that the authorities agree on a political strategy to protect civilians. It is also crucial that the Security Council provide sufficient troops and military equipment to MINUSMA to enable it to defend its own personnel and civilians and to adapt its operations, he added. Concerned about the spread of radicalization and violent extremism, the representative pointed out that the deployment of foreign mercenaries only complicates the situation. He called on the authorities not to take such substantial decisions lightly, warning of the risk of deterioration of an already very fragile stability. "Mali needs informed decisions and responsible actions, not irresponsible mercenaries," said the delegate, who also expressed concern about the significant increase in human rights violations and abuses reported by MINUSMA, urging the transitional authorities to carry out effective investigations.
Mr. Hoxha also denounced the “unacceptable” postponement of the electoral calendar, seeing in it the desire to remain in power illegally. He expressed his full support for the initiatives of ECOWAS and called on the authorities to speed up the return to constitutional order. "It's up to the people to decide," he said, later expressing concern about the lack of implementation of the peace accord. He called on the Council to exert all possible pressure so that the Malian stakeholders move from a protracted consultation process to concrete actions, and reach a consensus on a reasonable transition period.
Mr. JOÃO GENÉSIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil) considered that the transition proposal presented by the authorities, aimed at postponing the return to constitutional order for up to five years, does not contribute in any way to stabilization efforts. Although the “initiative” to base it on broad popular consultation, taking into account the participation of women and minority groups, is commendable, Malians deserve a rapid transition to democracy. For this reason, Brazil supports the efforts of ECOWAS to ensure the conclusion of the political transition, indicated the representative who urged the Malian authorities to hold general elections as soon as possible. Noting that elections alone will not be enough to end the Malian conflict, he also considered it essential to implement the commitments made by the parties to the Peace Agreement. The delegate also urged the political forces to honor the commitments made in Algiers, particularly with regard to the integration of ex-combatants into the armed forces.
Mr. de Almeida Filho expressed concern about the expansion of the terrorist threat in southern Mali, further noting that human rights violations continue to be commonplace. He commended the fact that MINUSMA has initiated quick impact projects to reduce community violence, as well as its efforts to contain a further deterioration in security conditions. However, the Mission's mandate must be understood as transitory and durable, he stressed, adding that the solution depends on the ability of the Malian state to assume its responsibilities. This is why Brazil advocates the strengthening of state institutions and security forces in Mali, with the strong support of the international community.
Ms GERALDINE BYRNE NASON (Ireland) said that a prolonged political transition in Mali would only serve to aggravate instability, before encouraging the Transitional Government to establish a timetable for the return to constitutional order and holding of elections. Concerned about the threats faced by Malian civilians and peacekeepers, she called for providing sufficient and appropriate resources to MINUSMA and increasing the capacity of its personnel in order to support the national authorities in the protection of civilians, in particular in the center of the country. The Mission's efforts can only be sustainable if they are accompanied by a long-term stabilization plan for security and essential public services, she added.
The representative then expressed concern about the increase in grave violations against children, as well as the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence. She welcomed the signing by the transitional authorities of an action plan aimed at combating conflict-related sexual violence, then called for the appointment of women to the Agreement Monitoring Committee and the operationalization of the independent observatory. women. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation also requires urgent attention, added the delegate, who called on all parties to support humanitarian action. An inclusive, democratic, civilian-led government is the best way to achieve security and prosperity in Mali, and in the Sahel region, underlined Ms. Byrne Nason who called for the implementation of the Agreement for peace.
Mr. DAI BING (China) called on the international community to support the recommendations of last year's national conferences. He insisted that any roadmap must respect the will of Malians. The representative said to take note of the decisions of ECOWAS and the reaction of Mali, before inviting the two parties to find common ground. He called on forces that are outside the region to refrain from exerting pressure on Mali, arguing that they are counterproductive. It is equally important to continue the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to move forward with DDR (disarmament, demobilization and reintegration). The Chinese delegate recalled that MINUSMA is deployed in a very dangerous context, as evidenced by the 28 peacekeepers killed in Mali in 2021. Good security must therefore be ensured for peacekeepers, he pleaded.
Ms. LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH (United Arab Emirates) called for completing the political transition process and making concrete progress towards the holding of elections by continuing the efforts of the Transitional Government. It is also essential to coordinate efforts at the sub-regional, regional and international levels to support the political transition in accordance with the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. The representative also insisted on the importance of dialogue and then underlined the importance of the participation of women in the transition process and in the implementation of the Agreement.
Also denouncing the security situation, the representative stressed the "important role" of the G5 Sahel Joint Force in combating terrorism in Mali and the Sahel region. Ms. Nusseibeh also called for an integrated and comprehensive approach to countering terrorism, including addressing its root causes and strengthening the rule of law and economic development in the region. The representative also drew attention to the urgency of meeting the humanitarian needs of the population. She also called for a response to the security threats caused by climate change in Mali, expressing the hope that this issue will soon be considered by the Security Council.
Ms MONA JUUL (Norway) read out a shortened statement, announcing that the rest of her text was published online. She expressed her deep concern in view of the evolution of the political, security and humanitarian situation in Mali. In the words of the Special Representative, she felt that the Transitional Government "and we as partners" must address at least three things in a coordinated manner. The first is the reported increase in displaced people, the systematic targeting of civilians and the continued attacks on schools, which must end, including in the centre. The second is respect for the Algiers Agreement, as the legitimate basis for peace and the pursuit of dialogue in Mali. His third point was an appeal to Mali's transitional leaders to exercise caution in using the power they have seized by force, for the good of Mali's youth.
The political transition needs a new dynamic, continued the representative, adding that security and good governance must go hand in hand. “We ask the Malian transitional government to take into account the messages of ECOWAS. The development of the situation in Mali does not only affect Malians, but also neighboring countries, remarked Ms. Juul before pleading for elections to be held and for constitutional order to be restored as soon as possible to guarantee legitimacy and accountability. This is the only way to know the true will of the Malian people, she observed.
Mr. ISSA KONFOUROU (Mali) recalled that throughout the month of December 2021, Malians and Malians, from the interior and the diaspora, from the local to the national level, carried out an uncompromising diagnosis of the challenges present in the country. The relevant recommendations, resulting from these National Refoundation Meetings, will constitute a new roadmap for the Transitional Government, he explained, noting that the Government of Mali immediately initiated consultations with ECOWAS on the timetable for the Transition. “However, it is with amazement that we have learned of the adoption of economic and financial sanctions against Mali,” revealed the representative. For him, these measures contrast with the efforts of the Government and its readiness for dialogue with a view to a compromise with ECOWAS. “The Government has condemned these illegal and illegitimate sanctions taken by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and ECOWAS, in flagrant violation of the founding texts of these organizations, and in contradiction with the principles of solidarity and the ideal pan-african. I recall, he said, with regard to WAEMU, that an embargo decided by the Heads of State and Government, applicable to a sovereign State, constitutes a manifest violation of the WAEMU Treaty and the statutes of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). In addition, the freezing of the assets of a State, public and semi-public companies cannot be applied by the Central Bank, which remains an independent body to which each Member State has granted its sovereign right of issue, he pleaded.
With regard to ECOWAS, the representative cited several of the measures that the Malian government denounced, because they are not based on any community text: the closure of land and air borders between the ECOWAS countries and Mali ; the suspension of commercial transactions between ECOWAS countries and Mali; the freezing of the assets of the Republic of Mali in the central banks of ECOWAS; the freezing of the assets of the Malian State and of public and parastatal enterprises in the commercial banks of ECOWAS countries. In his address to the nation, on January 10, 2022, the President of the Transition, Head of State, Colonel Assimi GOITA, declared that despite the illegal, illegitimate and inhuman nature of certain decisions, Mali remains open to dialogue. with ECOWAS to find a consensus between the higher interests of the Malian people and respect for the principles of the Organization. On this occasion, he also called on ECOWAS to review its analysis of the situation in Mali by carrying out an in-depth analysis and putting the interest of the Malian people above any other consideration. Finally, the President of the transition reaffirmed his desire to do everything possible for a rapid return to constitutional order in a peaceful and secure Mali.
At the security level, Mr. Konfourou assured that the Government of Mali continues to intensify efforts for the recruitment, training and equipment of the Malian defense and security forces, in order to strengthen their operational capacities. . From December 2021 to the present day, he testified, the Malian Defense and Security Forces have launched a vast offensive, particularly in the central and southern regions of Mali. During these operations, they inflicted heavy casualties on extremist groups, including terrorist leaders. Several arrests took place and a large quantity of war materials was recovered, said the representative. These operations will continue and intensify with the ultimate objective of restoring the authority of the State, basic administrative and social services throughout the national territory and protecting our populations and their property, promised the delegate. He added that the Government's strategy to stabilize the country in the long term also involves peaceful operations to disarm elements of extremist groups.
Mr. Konfourou then responded to a comment made by some Council members accusing the Government of Mali of using a private security company. “Those who maintain this campaign of false information know full well that Mali has made no commitment with Wagner and that there are no mercenaries present on Malian soil,” he retorted. He called for an end to this "misinformation campaign" against Mali, stressing that the country is not in a logic of confrontation and remains open to all partners who wish to help it meet its multiple challenges. It is within this framework, he explained, that Mali has maintained a state-to-state cooperation relationship with Russia since 1960. And it is thanks to this "historic and dynamic" cooperation » That Russian trainers and instructors are currently in Mali to advise and train the Malian military in the use of equipment acquired by Mali from the Russian Federation.
Regarding the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, resulting from the Algiers process, he recalled that the Government and the signatory movements remain committed to diligent and intelligent implementation. Under the development chapter of the Agreement, he cited the establishment of the Fund for the Development of the Northern Regions and the appeal to Mali's partners to contribute to the financing of this strategy. Regarding the current situation in central Mali, he assured that the Government is working on the implementation of the Strategy for the integrated management of the crisis in central Mali, which includes political and security measures, in particular the strengthening of the security system at the center and the planned dialogue with moderate Malians.
On the issue of increasing the strength of MINUSMA, the representative indicated that the Malian government has just agreed to the Chadian government's request to reinforce its contingent by 1,000 additional elements within the MINUSMA, personnel who will be deployed in Aguelhoc. In terms of human rights, Mr. Konfourou indicated that the Council of Ministers adopted, on December 29, draft texts establishing a single legal mechanism for reparation and the implementation of reparation measures by administrative means. for the damage suffered by the victims of the various crises that have occurred in Mali since 1960. Finally, with regard to the humanitarian situation, he pointed out that the Government of Mali fully adheres to the appeal of the Secretary-General for the mobilization of resources in favor of the financing of the 2021 humanitarian response plan.
Speaking to the representative of the United States, he said that Mali will never be in a logic of confrontation with anyone and assured that the country is open to each of its partners who wishes to support it.
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