S/2020/541 Security Council

I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefings provided by the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, as well as the statements delivered by Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France; Mr. Philippe Goffin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Belgium; Mr. Kalla Ankourao, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad of the Niger; Mr. Miguel Vargas Maldonado, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic; Mr. Noureddine Erray, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia; Mr. Jüri Luik, Minister of Defence of Estonia; Ms. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa; Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth, the United Nations and South Asia of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland; and by the representatives of China, Indonesia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States of America and Viet Nam in connection with the video-teleconference on the situation in Mali, convened on Thursday, 11 June 2020. In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 by the President of the Security Council addressed to Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, these briefing and statements will be issued as an official document of the Security Council.

I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council. I apologize that at 10 a.m. I will need to leave to attend the start of a General Assembly meeting. The multifaceted crises in Mali and the Sahel continue to take a heavy toll on people across the subregion. Terrorist and criminal groups continue to expand their activities and exploit long-standing tensions along community lines. I express my sincere condolences on recent killings in central Mali where, over the past few days, at least 100 civilians have been killed in attacks in the Mopti region. I also extend my condolences to neighbouring Burkina Faso, where more than 80 people died in the north in separate attacks attributed to terrorist groups. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has added another layer of complexity to an already extremely challenging situation, with attempts by terrorist and other armed groups to capitalize on the pandemic. Mali has not been spared by the virus, and neither has the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), our peacekeeping Mission on the ground. More than 100 United Nations personnel have been affected. While many of them have recovered, two peacekeepers lost their lives and we mourn that loss. I am encouraged by the swift action taken by the Government to respond to the pandemic, in close cooperation with the MINUSMA and other international partners. MINUSMA also took early measures, which have been further strengthened, in order to prevent the spread of the virus while ensuring the continued implementation of the mandate. It has been five years since the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed by the Malian parties in Algiers. In spite of protracted delays in its implementation, important progress has been made over the past year. An inclusive national dialogue was held in Mali, with the participation of Malians of the diaspora. That provided an opportunity for Malian men and women to express their concerns and discuss solutions. It also yielded a number of resolutions and enabled the parties to refocus on the implementation of the Bamako Agreement. Following the integration of 1,330 former combatants of the armed movements into the national defence and security forces, more than 1,100 personnel were redeployed to Kidal, Gao, Timbuktu and Ménaka as part of the reconstituted units of the national armed forces. Action will resume soon to integrate 510 additional combatants and another batch of 1,160 fighters in order to reach the objective of 3,000 newly integrated soldiers by mid-2020. The arrival of the first reconstituted unit in February marked the first formal presence of the national armed forces in Kidal since rebel forces took control of the main cities in northern Mali in 2012. Once fully operational, the reconstituted units will strengthen the national armed forces in northern Mali. A more robust presence of the national defence and security forces is key to combating terrorism and restoring State authority. It will also pave the way for a more significant deployment of State administration and justice. It is now paramount for all redeployed units to become operational while creating the conditions to gradually assume their mandated security responsibilities. To that end, we need urgent measures, including continued efforts by all parties concerned to live up to their commitment to provide additional infrastructure, equipment, training and appropriate measures to strengthen cohesion. An effective community-oriented police force is equally important to stabilize Mali and fight terrorism. Steps were taken to put in place the legislative framework for the creation and deployment of a territorial police force, a key aspect of the decentralization process. The good offices of MINUSMA have been crucial to helping the parties overcome mistrust, resolve numerous problems and reach an agreement on the modalities for the redeployment. That is just one of many examples illustrating the pivotal role that MINUSMA continues to play in supporting the parties and creating a space for the peace process to unfold. In that connection, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the outstanding leadership of my Special Representative, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif. Steps have also been taken to operationalize the Northern Development Zone with a view to improving people’s daily lives and helping them address the underlying drivers of instability, including poverty, underdevelopment and the lack of opportunities for young people. Legislative elections were held in March and April, with the support of the Mission. Although there is still a long way to go, the number of elected women is three times higher than during the previous legislature and represents the highest percentage ever recorded. Nevertheless, the low voter turnout, just as we have seen in previous polls, calls for continued efforts from all political actors to enhance the population’s trust in national institutions. Furthermore, I call for the immediate release of opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé, who was abducted during the electoral campaign. The new Parliament, currently in session, is expected to play a key role in enacting institutional reforms envisaged in the peace agreement, including through the holding of a constitutional referendum. These mostly positive developments are promising. I encourage the signatory parties to strengthen mutual trust and to work together to keep up the momentum in the peace process, which remains the only pathway to a politically stable and more secure Mali. My Special Representative stands ready to further extend his good offices to help create conditions for progress. I remain very concerned about the situation in central Mali, where terrorist activity continues to fuel violence among communities, thus taking a heavy toll on the local population. I am encouraged by the Government’s efforts and the Prime Minister’s personal engagement, particularly community dialogue initiatives. These have yielded some positive results but there is a very long way to go. Efforts to combat impunity remain essential to curbing the violence in the centre, and more needs to be done by the authorities to demonstrate their commitment in that regard. MINUSMA’s adaptation plan seeks to enable the Mission to deliver on its mandated strategic objectives, particularly its second objective concerning Mali’s central region. I would also like to highlight the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers. A total of 128 peacekeepers have been killed as a result of malicious acts and not a single perpetrator has been held accountable. I am appalled by the allegations of summary killings and executions of at least 38 civilians by the Malian armed forces in two villages in the Mopti region last weekend, in one case with the support of traditional hunters. I welcome the Government’s announcement to investigate these serious violations and I call on the authorities to do everything possible to hold the perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable. The humanitarian situation is equally concerning. The number of people in need of assistance is expected to increase to 5 million over the next months. I call for swift and determined international action to address the most urgent humanitarian needs and mitigate the destabilizing effects of COVID-19. The conclusions of the 2019 inclusive national dialogue have raised hopes among the Malian people and deserve diligent implementation. The growing calls for civil society to improve governance and fight insecurity, as heard during last weekend’s demonstrations in Bamako, must be answered accordingly. I welcome the President’s openness to dialogue in that regard. MINUSMA and the Secretariat have taken important steps to enhance our presence and activities in central Mali and to better protect civilians. The Mission’s adaptation plan remains a viable proposal for a more agile, mobile and flexible operation, with tailored units and enhanced capabilities — most important among them additional air mobility. I am encouraged by the pledges made during the recent MINUSMA force generation conference by troop-contributing countries in early May to deploy additional specialized capabilities to the Mission. In an increasingly challenging security environment, additional air assets are urgently needed to enable the Mission to continue ensuring the implementation of its mandate. I reiterate my call upon Member States to support the plan when considering contributions and the Mission’s budget, in keeping with their commitments under the Action for Peacekeeping framework. Fighting terrorism is a joint responsibility. I commend the Malian army, the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and the French forces for stepping up their operations and improving their coordination in the Liptako-Gourma region with the aim of defeating terrorist groups operating in that critical area. An exclusively military solution does not exist. Security responses must go hand in hand with the restoration of State authority and sustainable development. Respect for human rights in the conduct of operations is also essential. Success in the fight against terrorism in Mali and the Sahel region will depend on the ability of the international community to remain united and to adhere to a comprehensive and joint approach. In that regard, I am encouraged by the continued commitment of our key partners. I commend France, Germany and the European Union for spearheading the Sahel coalition established at the Pau summit in January. The coalition provides a broader framework to coordinate security, development and governance initiatives in the region. Support for the G-5 Sahel remains vital. In that connection, I reiterate my call for a comprehensive support package, funded by assessed contributions, to allow for predictable and sustainable support to the Joint Force. I also call on the international community to continue to support regional initiatives, including those of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Building a politically stable and more secure Mali requires our collective and sustained commitment and MINUSMA’s continued support. We owe that to the people of Mali and the Sahel region, who deserve a better future.

On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, I would like to congratulate France on presiding over this Security Council meeting and I thank all the members of the Council for having invited the African Union to participate in this important debate on the Secretary- General’s report on the situation in Mali and on the prospect of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Today’s debate is taking place amid a difficult context in Mali and throughout the Sahel region. That part of Africa is currently going through a triple crisis — health, economic and security — due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Given the long-standing prevailing political and security situation in the region, we must bolster the system put in place to ensure security in Mali and in the Sahel, with MINUSMA at its core. The security situation has deteriorated drastically, especially since the second half of 2019 in the Liptako-Gourma area, known as the three-borders area. The actions of armed terrorist groups have increased in number and intensity. Intercommunal violence in central Mali continues despite the various strategies implemented by the Government. The persistence of such clashes has resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties in recent weeks. The difficult security situation has exacerbated the humanitarian situation and weakened respect for human rights, in the form of a growing number of displaced persons and the lack of basic social services, such as education and health care. In response, Mali has launched a new military initiative, Operation Maliko, with tangible results. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) has grown in strength and the cooperation and coordination mechanism set up in Pau seems to be working properly. Other initiatives have been under way since the second half of 2019, notably that of the Economic Community of West African States, which has provided significant financial support to the G-5 Sahel. Similarly, at its February summit, the African Union expressed its solidarity with the countries of the region by deploying a force of 3,000. That force is being assembled. Of course, to that security dimension we must add multiple interventions in the area of development within the framework of the Priority Investment Programme of the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Alliance for the Sahel. On the political plan, the holding of an inclusive national dialogue in Mali raised many hopes. We congratulate Mali, which, following the dialogue’s conclusions, successfully organized legislative elections that helped establish the new National Assembly. That important step can facilitate even more important reforms, especially constitutional reforms. We also take this opportunity to encourage the Malian authorities to organize partial elections in the districts where they could not be held. With regard to the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, progress has been made on the deployment of the reconstituted Malian army. We encourage the Malian authorities to pursue their efforts to complete the accelerated disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, as only the total disarmament of the armed movements and militias can help restore peace in Mali. We also welcome the installation of interim authorities in the regions of Taoudénit and Ménaka and we encourage the Government of Mali to complete that process this year. We also welcome the transfer of skills and resources to local authorities and the operationalization of the territorial police. Finally, today’s debate comes at a time when a new Government is expected to be formed in Mali. Our hope is that the next Government will be able to create new momentum in the implementation of the peace agreement by adopting a new timetable for completing the priority actions that have already been identified. In conclusion, the political and security situation in Mali and in the Sahel region as a whole remains difficult and requires sustained efforts by the entire international community, particularly for the optimal implementation of the Mali peace agreement, which is the guiding framework and means for the resolution of the multidimensional crisis that the country is experiencing. MINUSMA’s role in the implementation of the agreement and in the stabilization of the country is essential. Accordingly, the African Union supports the proposed renewal of the mandate of MINUSMA with its current staffing.

As France has assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June, it is a great pleasure to preside over today’s Security Council meeting on Mali. France thanks the Secretary-General for honouring us with his participation in today’s meeting. I also welcome the presence at this meeting of the High Representative of the African Union for the Sahel and Mali and of numerous Ministers. It is a sign of our collective interest in the situation in Mali and, beyond that, in the Sahel. First of all, I would like to discuss the progress made over the last eight years, for we must remember where we are coming from. In 2012, the north of Mali was occupied by terrorists, and a political vacuum had set in. In 2013, at the request of the Malian authorities, France intervened to stop the advance of jihadists towards Bamako. The African force, the International Mission of Support in Mali, and then the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were deployed to secure the territory, and elections were held. Under the auspices of Algeria, the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was reached. Since then, significant progress has been made in the implementation of that agreement. This year, for the first time in five years, a thousand soldiers of the reconstituted Malian army, which includes former rebels, returned to the northern cities, including the symbolic city of Kidal. Progress on other aspects of the peace agreement is still ongoing, whether it be on decentralization, development of the north or the participation of women in the peace process. However, despite these sometimes-hard-won gains, the situation in Mali and the Sahel remains extremely fragile. Terrorist groups are continuing their acts of harassment. The civilian populations and armies of the countries of the Sahel, whose courage and commitment I salute, are paying a heavy price. The humanitarian situation, aggravated by the coronavirus disease pandemic, continues to deteriorate, leading to an increase in the number of internally displaced persons and refugees. Reconciliation between different communities remains a challenge. Finally, climate change has made Mali and the whole region particularly vulnerable. But France is confident. We are working with the States of the Sahel, some of which are weakened but committed, and the international community has increased its support with the launch this year of the Coalition for the Sahel, which will hold its first ministerial meeting tomorrow. On the ground, this dynamic has resulted in the establishment of a joint command mechanism between the 5,100-strong French force, Operation Barkhane, and the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5) Joint Force. The results are in, with victories in the fight against terrorism, including the neutralization last week of Abdelmalek Droukdel, leader of the Organization of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. Task Force Takuba, which brings together various European special forces, has also been launched. Finally, we have continued our efforts on governance and the return of State authority with the Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel, launched together with Germany, and development actions, all within the framework of the Sahel Alliance. The month of June is of major importance for Mali, as it is the month of MINUSMA’s mandate renewal. Against the backdrop of persistent challenges facing the country, MINUSMA remains the best tool available for the international community to support the Malians on their path to peace and security. MINUSMA’s adaptation plan, which I invite all Member States to support, should further improve the Mission’s capabilities. In the negotiation of the new mandate, which will begin in the coming days, our priorities will be to confirm MINUSMA in its priority tasks: implementation of the peace agreement, support for the redeployment of the State, and the protection of civilians in the centre of the country. But we will also seek to set out in the new mandate the expectations we have for the Malian parties, both the Government and the armed groups. Five years after the signing of the peace agreement, the international community is still waiting to see significant progress from them. The actions of certain actors in blatant substitution of State authority in the north are not acceptable. They must continue to disarm under conditions agreed by the parties. Furthermore, we are still waiting to see the political and institutional reforms provided for in the agreement come to pass. In this context, let me reiterate that the peace agreement resulting from the Algiers process must remain our compass, and we must strive for its full and complete implementation. Those who oppose it, on whatever side, will face sanctions. The renewal of the MINUSMA mandate must also be an opportunity to recall our demands with regard to the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, humanitarian access, the upholding of human rights, and the fight against impunity. The Malian Government has announced investigations into several allegations of serious human rights violations, some of which have been alleged against members of the defence and security forces. It is essential that those responsible for these unacceptable acts be brought to justice, as the Malian Government has pledged to do. As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the women and peace and security agenda this year, I also recall the importance of the full, effective and meaningful participation of women, without whom there can be no lasting peace. Because MINUSMA acts in conjunction with other security entities on the ground, it is also important that adequate synergies be established. For the sake of the unity of the Security Council, we will advocate the extension of MINUSMA’s support for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, as well as a clarification of how that support is provided beyond Malian territory. MINUSMA is doing an excellent job in one of the most challenging environments. I commend the commitment of the Secretary-General and that of his Special Representative, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, as well as that of the peacekeepers. Aware of its responsibility in this matter, France is eager to work closely with each member of the Security Council to reach a consensus on the renewal of the mandate.

I would first like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and presence at today’s meeting and, through him, express gratitude to the entire United Nations staff in Mali. I also salute President Buyoya and the African Union’s commitment to peace, stability and development in Mali. We again deplore the deaths in recent months and even in recent days of too many civilians and soldiers in Mali. On behalf of Belgium, I would like to express our condolences to their loved ones, as well as to the people and the Government of Mali. The fifth anniversary of the signing in 2015 of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali will be in a few days. I wish to emphasize that, even though progress has been much slower than hoped, there is no alternative to peace and no alternative to the 2015 peace agreement. Some progress has been made on the agreement: the timid redeployment of parts of the reconstituted army in the north, the establishment of a decentralized administrative structure with a gradual transfer of responsibilities and resources, the establishment of a development zone for the northern regions and the beginning of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, which is a crucial process designed to prevent the resumption of violence. I also salute the work of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali, as provided for in the peace agreement, whose final report will be presented in a few days. It is imperative that there be follow-up on the report and that the work accomplished by the International Commission is acknowledged. Nevertheless, it must be noted that since the signing of the 2015 agreement, progress has been too weak to guarantee a return to lasting peace. I regret that the benchmarks identified by the Security Council in June 2019 have, for the most part, not really been met. Challenges remain, and I will point out two in particular. First, security sector reform must be a priority in order to professionalize the sector and restore the confidence of all Malians in those whose mission it is to protect them. Secondly, the representation of all Malians — that is, of men and women — in State institutions, which has yet to see progress in terms of balance, for both elective and administrative functions, needs attention. After five years of modest progress, there is an urgent need for the parties to show a renewed sense of responsibility in the search for compromise in the implementation of the peace agreement. We can all see it — the situation in central Mali remains very worrying, despite the establishment of the crisis management political framework. We call on the reformed State to redeploy as soon as possible and fulfil its sovereign role of protecting citizens, starting with the most vulnerable. Security, justice and education are three basic services that could help undermine the recruitment of community militias and terrorists. I am convinced that the end of intercommunal conflicts and the fight against terrorism involve strengthening the legitimacy of the State. I would like to take this opportunity to salute the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in support of the Government’s efforts. The MINUSMA adaptation plan is an important initiative in this regard, even if we all know that the work of the Mission, in which more than 80 Belgian soldiers are deployed, can be framed only as support for a political process. Let me mention another important topic: the fight against impunity. The feeling of injustice, which is one of the most powerful, has already provoked revolts. I encourage Mali to respond to the perception of injustice by adopting and implementing a national crime policy. In this regard, I regret that no investigations into the allegations of abuse by the defence and security forces have led to accused persons being brought to trial. Equally regrettable is that no trial has been held against alleged perpetrators of crimes against MINUSMA peacekeepers. Accordingly, I would like to reiterate that Belgium will carefully monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry. The crisis that put Mali on the agenda of the Security Council has been slow to resolve. Of course, some questions, including the global health crisis we are experiencing, climate change, the regional terrorist threat and transnational organized crime, all go beyond the Malian crisis in the strictest sense. But there are also major internal challenges. Rather than trying to put them into perspective or looking to find scapegoats, I call on all Malian political actors of goodwill to take on those challenges and overcome them. They should know that they can count on Belgium to assist and support them on the path that they themselves will have traced.

Allow me at the outset to welcome Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, High Representative of the African Union for the Sahel and Mali, for their excellent briefings and for their personal efforts aimed at stabilizing Mali in particular and the Sahel in general. I would most sincerely like to thank Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, for having chosen to organize today’s session on United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) during his country’s presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to welcome the participation of my ministerial counterparts at this very important meeting for the Sahel. Their presence is testimony of their interest in MINUSMA. It is undeniable that MINUSMA’s efforts have made a major contribution to the gradual stabilization of Mali. Unfortunately, however, they have been made at the high cost of the loss in human lives of its personnel, mostly because of cowardly attacks by armed terrorist groups, which have not observed the international humanitarian truce called by the Secretary-General in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Accordingly, I would like both to pay a heartfelt tribute to the troop-contributing countries for their generosity and offer my deepest condolences to the grieving families for their losses. Despite the violence resulting from the ongoing attacks by terrorist armed groups and from the intercommunal conflicts, tangible progress has been made in the peace process in Mali, in particular since the holding of the inclusive national dialogue in December 2019, which was a milestone for the people of Mali in establishing a national consensus on the main political and institutional reforms. Moreover, the holding of legislative elections on 29 March, against the backdrop of rising threats, has clearly shown the world the Malian people’s dedication to democratic values and their desire to return to peace and stability in the country. Progress was also achieved in the promotion of gender equity, with 30 per cent of the legislative seats being won by women. Among the further examples of progress made, we welcome the transfer to local authorities, albeit gradual, of responsibility for delivery of services. However, we notice that other crucial reforms are lagging, for example, the setting up of local police, administrative and territorial restructuring, and the redeployment of the reconstituted army units to the north. These reforms, the delay of which constitutes an important obstacle in the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement, should be given the required attention. The Niger welcomes the determined support provided by MINUSMA in the context of stabilizing and gradually restoring State authority in central Mali. We are also encouraged by the MINUSMA adaptation plan for central Mali, pursuant to resolution 2480 (2019). However, we note with concern the lack of adequate resources for the implementation of the plan. In this regard, we urge the Council to favourably consider the allocation of additional financial resources, which is indispensable for the effective implementation of the plan. At the subregional level, we commend the continued efforts deployed by the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) in collaboration with international forces, including the forces of Operation Barkhane. We are pleased to note, as recognized by the Security Council last week, that the pace of Joint Force operations has improved, with important victories against terrorists. Since its creation, in 2017, the Joint Force has conducted several major operations in accordance with its mandate. That is recognition of the need for adequate, predictable and sustained support to the Joint Force so that it may fulfil its important mission. The Niger welcomes the Joint Force’s change in position and its current format. The harmonization of actions through the joint command mechanism for operations in the Sahel, based in Niamey, is undoubtedly an excellent option. It will support the forthcoming deployment by the African Union of 3,000 troops to support the Sahel countries in their fight against terrorism. The situation in the Sahel, in particular in Mali, is an argument in favour of continuing the work of MINUSMA. In that regard, the Niger would like to see consensus among Council members on MINUSMA’s mandate, budget, size and operational capacity. The Niger continues to believe that the force should be stronger and more robust in the face of terrorist attacks of rare cruelty, which spare neither our defence and security forces nor the forces of our partners in Operation Barkhane, and even less the civilian population, including women and children. The Niger calls on all Member States to provide the required capacity and to mobilize adequate resources for MINUSMA, in accordance with their commitments under the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Furthermore, we believe that the creation of a rapid intervention brigade under MINUSMA, similar to the one created under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, could increase its effectiveness. In the Niger’s view, it is necessary for all to mobilize in order to ensure the survival of the G-5 Sahel States and of the region’s 80 million inhabitants. Equally necessary is for MINUSMA to continue providing critical support to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We believe that, with the commitment of the international community, more can be achieved and better in the name of the global public good that is peace. At this stage of my remarks, allow me to reiterate our request, which has been made many times, to see the G-5 Sahel Joint Force established under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. This would give it more legitimacy and ensure predictable funding. On the eve of the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate, we thank the Secretary- General for submitting to the Council options for strengthening its support to the G5-Sahel Joint Force. In my delegation’s view, the best option would be one that, while protecting current achievements, would allow for predictable financing, multifaceted support as close as possible to the battalions and the development of local capacities in the area of service delivery, among other things. The Sahel region today faces many challenges that entail risks that could jeopardize international peace and security. It is therefore the appropriate time for the Security Council, through the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate, to send a strong signal of solidarity with the people of the Sahel and to issue a firm warning to terrorists that the world will not fail to act in the face of their criminal designs.

At the outset, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, the Governments and the peoples of Cambodia and El Salvador for the recent death of two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The pandemic adds an element to the eminent danger that these heroes of peace face every day. Similarly, we strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on MINUSMA peacekeepers, including the most recent attack in northern Mali, in which three members from Chad were killed. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims, the Government and the people of Chad. Attacks such as those, which are increasingly frequent and deadly, indiscriminately claim the lives not only of MINUSMA personnel and members of national and international forces, but also of hundreds of innocent civilians, including women and children. In every period assessed, the latter have been the main victims of endemic terrorist groups and intercommunal violence. The latest period has not been an exception, with a worrisome deterioration of the security situation in Mali and the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and the Niger, where terrorist groups continued their wave of violence against security forces and civilians, as well as among themselves, competing for control over areas of influence with limited State presence. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mali and the Sahel, which the terrorist groups are using to increase their attacks and challenge authority, is also worrisome, as an additional element of the complex prevailing security situation that exacerbates the existing humanitarian crisis to alarming levels. At a time when humankind is facing one of its greatest threats resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we understood and supported, based on principle and logic, the call for a ceasefire in all conflicts during the pandemic in order to focus resources and attention on the populations in need. However, the sad reality is that Mali and the Sahel continue to be destabilized and hijacked by violence generated by terrorist groups and intercommunal conflict, thus calling on us to reaffirm our commitment and strengthen our support, given the complexity of the challenges and the corresponding need for comprehensive solutions to achieve peace and security. We reiterate the importance of maintaining momentum and consolidating the achievements made thus far in Mali and the Sahel with the essential support of MINUSMA, with a view to effectively implementing, without delay, the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali as the most viable path towards the country’s political stability and security. We recognize and commend the Government and the parties for the progress achieved in critical areas since the conclusion of the inclusive national dialogue. Regarding the empowerment of women, it was encouraging to see the election of 41 women to the National Assembly in the May elections, three times more than in the last legislature, thanks to their significant and broad participation in the peace process and political life in Mali. We urge that progress continue to be made to increase the participation, training and acceptance of women in the various decision- making bodies. Similarly, the progress in the redistribution of the reconstituted units of the Malian army to the north of the country, with the essential support of MINUSMA, is also encouraging, as is the operationalization of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force towards Mali’s greater independence in the defence of its territory. In the light of the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate, we should be aware of the fact that the political, security and humanitarian situation in Mali and the Sahel remains precarious, of the progress achieved so far and of the adjustments needed to make the support provided more efficient. We call for greater collaboration among the various actors. Finally, we emphasize the importance of establishing responsibility and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, especially in the context of the fight against terrorism, thus strengthening the credibility and acceptance of the efforts to achieve peace and security.

Let me start by congratulating France on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June and reiterating our support to its efforts towards making this vital organ more effective and responsive to the numerous challenges we are facing. I would like to thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, and the African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, Pierre Buyoya, for their informative briefings on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and to assure them of Tunisia’s full support for their vision of a peaceful and prosperous Mali and, more generally, Sahel region. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all MINUSMA personnel and commend them for their efforts and dedication in the fulfilment of the Mission’s mandate, despite the difficult and challenging conditions, and to present my condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers who died in service. The situation in the Sahel is still characterized by a deteriorating security environment owing to persistent terrorist attacks targeting security forces and civilians, which is exacerbated by intercommunal violence, the effects of climate change and, more recently, by the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. Meanwhile, the region remains crippled by cross-border trafficking and organized crime on a massive scale. Despite those challenges, the Malian authorities and people remain committed to implementing the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, signed in Algiers in 2015, which remains the only viable process conducive to stability, security, and State-building in Mali. In that regard, we welcome the recent progress in the transition process, as reflected in the conclusion of the inclusive national dialogue, as well as the successful second round of legislative elections that witnessed, to our great satisfaction, the candidacy and election of a significant number of women. We strongly believe that the more women, civil society and community leaders are involved in the implementation of the Agreement, the better the chances of achieving peace, stability and development in Mali. While operating in a highly challenging security environment and trying to adapt to the evolving situation in Mali, MINUSMA has shown its ability to carry out its mandate and deal with multiple tasks, ranging from facilitating the implementation of the Agreement to protecting civilians and helping the Malian authorities exercise their full operational control over areas previously under the control of terrorist and extremist groups, especially in the north of the country. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and the redeployment of reconstituted units are crucial in that regard. Tunisia is proud to contribute to MINUSMA’s operations through an air transport unit, which has been instrumental in achieving recent progress on various fronts. We also appreciate MINUSMA’s support to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) in countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel region. The provision of life support consumables by MINUSMA is crucial for the operationalization of the Joint Force, and we thank the European Union for its funding. Nevertheless, as outlined in the reports of the Secretary-General, the current support model has its limits. Beyond options identified by the Secretariat to overcome transportation challenges, Tunisia believes that the G-5 Sahel Joint Force deserves a comprehensive support package funded through United Nations assessed contributions in order to fully and effectively operate across the region. That would secure sustainable and predictable funding for the Force and, at the same time, would release MINUSMA from a heavy burden, thus allowing it to dedicate its efforts entirely to supporting the peace process in Mali. Peace and security in Mali and the Sahel are vital, not only to the region but also to the entire African continent and even beyond. The Pau summit, held in France in January, as well as other international and regional initiatives testify to an increasing awareness of the multiple challenges in the Sahel and the need for the international community to assist countries of the region in strengthening their stabilization efforts to deal with emerging threats and development challenges. Fighting terrorism and violent extremism is a global responsibility and requires a broader approach that goes beyond security. It should integrate development, poverty reduction and good governance, as well as secure the full implementation of the African Union vision on silencing the guns in Africa. Hence the need for the international community to support all bilateral and multilateral initiatives aiming at mobilizing political will and resources to address the challenges in the region, such as the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, which was endorsed by the Council in 2013 and crucially needs to be implemented. We believe that the region has the capacity to extract itself from the present crisis by working on such an integrated road map, with the support of the international community and the engagement and ownership of its youth and communities, to lay the foundation of a prosperous future.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing on the developments in Mali. I would also like to thank Mr. Pierre Buyoya, African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, for his insightful remarks. The situation in the Sahel region, including in Mali, is highly complex in terms of both security as well as political developments. The rapidly evolving dynamic situation in the region needs our constant attention. In addition to the active presence of terrorist groups, tensions are escalating within communities. The lines between jihad terror and ethnic violence are becoming increasingly blurred. Further to the already fragile situation, the global coronavirus disease pandemic has added another layer of insecurity. Estonia appreciates the efforts of the Malian authorities and the United Nations agencies on the ground for taking immediate measures to halt the spread of the virus. Estonia is a troop-contributing country to United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and we participate in the European Union training and capacity-building missions. We are currently doubling our contribution to counter-terrorism Operation Barkhane, and in particular to its special operations Task Force Takuba. It is therefore with great concern that we are following the negative trends in the security situation of the entire region. We commend MINUSMA for its constant efforts to support the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and implement its mandate on the protection of civilians in central Mali. We also commend MINUSMA for the support that it provided to the Malian authorities in carrying out the legislative elections. The Peace Agreement remains the basis for a political solution to the conflict in Mali. To that end, we support the leadership and efforts of the Malian Government in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Recent efforts to re-establish the presence of the central Government in parts of central Mali are necessary and welcome. We are also encouraged by the positive steps towards the redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian armed forces to the north. We must take into account that progress and, at the same time, keep in mind that any local power vacuum can be used by extremist groups trying to fill it with instability. The presence of national security forces and institutions acts as a deterrent, and their role in protecting civilians is vital. Furthermore, that presence will make room for functioning State services that are urgently needed. Long-lasting peace in Mali can come about only through an inclusive political process. In that connection, the efforts to increase women’s full and meaningful participation need to continue. That includes implementing the recommendations made during the high-level workshop on the participation of women in the decision- making process in January. We are encouraged by the fact that the parliamentary elections in Mali resulted in a nearly threefold increase in the elected female representatives in the National Assembly. We stress the importance of practical measures to support and facilitate women’s political participation, building on the experience gained. An integral part of restoring the State presence is the fight against impunity. We need to ensure that all counter-terrorist activities are conducted with full respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. We must address all grave violations and abuses of human rights and hold all perpetrators accountable regardless of their status. The attack on two villages in Mopti region last week, which killed more than 30 civilians, requires a transparent investigation. Without accountability for crimes committed and justice for victims, community grievances will continue to erupt and perpetuate the cycle of violence. I would like to stress the critical importance of the protection of the civilian population, especially in the worsening situation in central Mali. All attacks against civilians, as well as the national and international forces, are unacceptable and must be stopped. In that regard, the Malian authorities have a main role in protecting civilians, reducing violence and restoring peaceful relations among local communities. To increase MINUSMA’s ability to provide security and protect the local population, MINUSMA’s adaptation plan should focus on increasing the mobility and flexibility of the Mission. MINUSMA’s early-warning systems should also be strengthened in order to be better prepared for the protection of both civilians and the peacekeepers themselves. But the key to success is the responsibility and willingness of the troop- contributing countries to ensure that their troops have adequate training, equipment and capabilities specific to the operating environment in Mali. Allow me to express Estonia’s full support for the work of MINUSMA, as well as the other United Nations agencies in Mali, in supporting the Government of Mali to achieve a lasting peace in the country. We share the Secretary-General’s assessment that the eventual exit of the Mission needs careful planning and must not take place prematurely. Estonia fully supports the Security Council’s extension of the mandate.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Yves Le Drian, for convening this meeting. Its scheduling is timely as the Security Council prepares to renew the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) later this month. I also wish to extend my thanks to Secretary-General António Guterres and the African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, His Excellency former President Pierre Buyoya, for their informative briefings. We are meeting today as the global community continues to mitigate the devastating impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This pandemic has affected all of us in numerous ways, including the efforts of the various stakeholders responsible for promoting international peace and security. We were saddened to learn about the recent demise of two MINUSMA peacekeepers to this pandemic. Peacekeepers are on the front lines of our efforts to maintain peace and security, and our condolences go to their families during these trying times. There have been a number of developments in Mali and the wider Sahel region in recent months. South Africa therefore wishes to share some observations on the security, political and humanitarian situations in Mali, as well as on the Joint Force the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and on MINUSMA. First, South Africa remains deeply concerned about the security situation in Mali and the Sahel due to the increased terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence, particularly in central Mali. It is also disturbing that terrorist groups have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to expand their reach and intensify their activities. We regret that this continued violence has claimed far too many human lives, including those of peacekeepers, the Malian Defence and Security Forces and civilians. These developments surely compel the Council to continue to provide support to the people of Mali so as to achieve peace and stability. Secondly, the prevailing humanitarian situation is cause for concern. Increased efforts must be made to mitigate the deteriorating humanitarian situation as a result of the persistent violence, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that the pandemic has had adverse effects on the most vulnerable, the internally displaced and refugees, in particular women and girls. We call upon the international community to continue to provide humanitarian aid to the people in need and contribute to the Mali humanitarian response plan, which remains underfunded. It is also important that access to people in need of humanitarian aid be unhindered. Thirdly, progress towards the restoration of State authority and sustained peace depends on progress in the political processes guided by the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. In that context, we welcome the inclusive Major National Dialogue that concluded in December 2019, which laid the foundation for the recently held national legislative elections. We hope that the installation of the newly elected National Assembly will pave the way for the envisaged institutional and political reforms. Most reforms require the collective commitment of all the relevant parties. We are encouraged by the progress made in the deployment of the reconstituted and reformed Malian forces as an essential step towards the restoration of State authority in northern Mali. This is indicative that Malians are capable of rebuilding their own State. As is said, where there is a will, there is a way. We therefore encourage the Malian parties to ensure the full operationalization of those deployed forces and to redouble their efforts towards further deployments in other parts of the country. This will enhance the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali and serve as a measure to build trust and confidence among the signatory parties. We commend MINUSMA for providing the necessary assistance for that process. Throughout the process, it remains imperative that the signatory parties refrain from reneging on their commitments, in particular with regard to the recruitment and use of children in the conflict, as well as other international human rights and humanitarian law violations. As a country and as part of a continent that firmly support women’s empowerment and gender equality, South Africa commends the significant strides that the Malian authorities have made in advancing the participation and representation of women in political and peace processes, as evidenced by an increase in women’s representation in the National Assembly and their inclusion in the Agreement Monitoring Committee. This is indeed a positive development that should be cultivated in order to strengthen inclusive, meaningful participation in, and national ownership of, the peace processes in Mali. We also agree that to eliminate the challenges of instability and insecurity, their drivers and root causes must be identified and adequately addressed. A comprehensive and holistic approach based on political, economic and security interventions is necessary to address the challenges facing Mali. In that regard, the Northern Development Zone is an important initiative, which must be supported and fully operationalized to aid development in the northern regions. Equally, we urge the support and implementation of the 2019 Bamako declaration on access to natural resources and conflicts between communities. Fourthly, South Africa would like to address the vital role played by the G-5 Sahel Joint Force and MINUSMA. The efforts of the G-5 Sahel countries and the region require international support in order to succeed. In that regard, we are grateful for the generous contributions made thus far, and we urge the Security Council and the international community to provide the necessary support to the G-5 Sahel countries. We are of the view that predictable and sustainable logistical and operational support coordinated by the United Nations is urgent and necessary. The roles of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in support of the Joint Force are also important. In that regard, the initiative taken by the African Union to deploy 3,000 forces to support the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, in addition to ECOWAS adopting an action plan and making financial resources available to combat terrorism in West Africa, complements the collective efforts needed not only by Mali but by the region. MINUSMA has made a valuable contribution towards the stabilization of Mali. We therefore support the extension of the MINUSMA mandate in order to continue to provide assistance to Mali, particularly for the protection of civilians, the implementation of the peace agreement and the restoration of State authority in northern and central Mali. In conclusion, we would like to take this moment to pay tribute to the fallen peacekeepers, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured and those battling COVID-19. We also express our solidarity with the women and men who form part of United Nations peacekeeping and continue to forge ahead despite working in a complex and dangerous environment.

I thank Minister Le Drian and the French presidency of the Security Council for the opportunity to discuss the important topic of the situation in Mali. I am delighted that we have been joined by His Excellency Foreign Minister Dramé of Mali today. Let me also extend our thanks to their Excellencies Secretary-General Guterres and African Union High Representative for the Sahel and Mali Mr. Buyoya for reinforcing the importance of a coordinated international response. We further welcome the commitment of the African Union to Mali and the region, including to deploying African Union forces. Let me assure all colleagues that the United Kingdom remains committed to working with all members of the Council, through the United Nations and the new Coalition for the Sahel, as well as bilaterally, to support progress in Mali. As the Security Council meets this month to look at the progress of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and indeed to renew its mandate, we, like others, wish to join those recognizing the immense sacrifices made by United Nations peacekeepers working for peace in Mali. In seven years, more than 200 personnel have lost their lives serving in MINUSMA. The scourge of the coronavirus disease now presents an added challenge for those who serve on the front line in this Mission. I wish to join with others and the Secretary-General in paying tribute to all our incredible peacekeepers who have lost their lives, including the two who tragically died recently in Mali due to this global pandemic. The work of peacekeepers saves lives. As we have heard today, MINUSMA continues to have an absolutely direct impact on the ground through its work to support the Malian Government and the signatory parties in implementing the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, emanating from the Algiers process. The recent legislative elections, coupled with the partial deployment of the reconstituted army in the north and the inclusive national political dialogue, including, most important, women’s participation, are indeed strong signs of progress. I therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2020/476). As we move forward, we should continue to support MINUSMA and call on the Government of Mali to spare absolutely no effort in fully implementing all the requirements of the peace agreement. In that regard, as we reflect on the twentieth anniversary year of resolution 1325 (2000), it is highly incumbent on each and every one of us to be absolutely committed to women playing a full, integrated, effective and meaningful role at every single stage of this important process. To succeed, revised goals for the north, as set out in the mandate, must be both ambitious and, indeed, achievable. New benchmarks must help to restore State authority and tackle impunity in the centre. Recent reports and allegations of human rights violations must rally MINUSMA to protect civilians and encourage accountability — a point that was well made by Minister Heiko Maas. We will significantly increase our contribution this year through the deployment of 250 United Kingdom troops in a long-range mechanized infantry reconnaissance task patrol group. It is my hope and our belief that this three-year commitment will multiply our success; it will enhance the security and safety of all peacekeepers and embed peacekeeping reform. Lastly, the United Kingdom commits itself to supporting improved mission performance through its bilateral support and training offer to troop-contributing countries. To conclude, although MINUSMA’s mandate is complex and the scale of the challenge makes it the most expensive United Nations peacekeeping operation, nevertheless we must positively recognize that we are making progress. As we review that progress and agree the way ahead together, we must remind ourselves that MINUSMA is not itself a permanent solution but a route to a means to an end and to a more sustainable and long-standing solution. The United Kingdom fully supports the efforts to adapt and improve the Mission as we seek to bring lasting peace and stability to Mali. Therefore, despite the volatility in the environment that we have seen through the continued presence of armed groups affiliated to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State, the United Kingdom will continue to support the Mission adaptation plan so as to deliver a more agile, responsive and adaptable force to meet these challenges. The United Kingdom is proud to play its part. At a system-wide level, we will continue to fund the implementation of the peacekeeping intelligence policy, which supports the non-clandestine collection of intelligence. This informs a whole-of-mission approach to planning, which improves both the safety of the Mission personnel and the protection of civilians. Let me assure all Member States that we will continue to fund the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System, which informs decision-makers as part of an integrated policy performance framework. Like others, we remain committed to playing our part in Mali through the United Nations.

I thank you, Sir, for presiding over this meeting. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, for their briefings. We are happy to see the continued positive developments in the political situation in Mali. As an important outcome of the national inclusive dialogue, the legislative elections were successfully held early this year, the reconstituted units of national armed forces were redeployed to northern Mali and the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was further implemented. We are encouraged to see such progress, and commend the efforts made by the Malian Government and its people in this regard. At the same time, we also noticed that the security situation in northern and central Mali faced increasing challenges arising from frequent terrorist activities and intercommunal violence, which made the humanitarian situation more severe. Such a situation seriously hinders the peace and development process in Mali. Having read the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/476) and listened to the briefings, I wish to share the following points. First, the current positive political momentum should be consolidated. We hope all parties in Mali will take the progress in national dialogue and legislative elections as an opportunity to consolidate the positive momentum, strengthen mutual trust and work together for peace and development in Mali. China welcomes the redeployment of reconstituted units of the national armed forces to northern Mali and notes that the process is facing some difficulties. We hope relevant parties can resolve their differences through dialogue and continue to implement the Peace Agreement. The international community should assist Mali in enhancing its ability for independent development and governance, while respecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Secondly, greater effort and investment should be made in countering terrorism in the region. Terrorism is a serious challenge facing Mali and other countries in the Sahel. It is for this reason that the Security Council in March held a debate (see S/PV.8743) and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2020/5) on countering terrorism in Africa. The outcome should be implemented. We hope the international community will continue to support the Malian Government in improving its counter- terrorism capacity, advancing regional cooperation, promoting poverty-reduction and combating terrorism through an integrated approach. In this regard, it is essential to provide support to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. China has provided ¥300 million to the Joint Force and counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel. We commend the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for providing important logistical support to the Joint Force and thank the Secretary-General for recommending three options for further improving the support model. We will actively participate in the discussions of the Security Council in this regard. Thirdly, continued efforts should be made to eliminate the root causes of instability through sustainable development. The international community should continue to help Mali improve its economic foundation and swiftly achieve sustainable development on its own. Such efforts will help eliminate the root causes of many problems in Mali. We welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister of Mali, during his visit to northern Mali in March, of a series of infrastructure projects aiming to promote the Northern Development Zone. We hope further efforts will be made to follow through on those projects and provide basic services to the people in the north and improve their livelihoods. Fourthly, MINUSMA should continue to be provided the support it needs. MINUSMA has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability and promoting the reconciliation process in Mali. China supports the extension of MINUSMA’s mandate for one year, as recommended by the Secretary-General. As a major troop-contributing country to MINUSMA, China has dispatched seven batches of peacekeepers to MINUSMA, and 426 Chinese peacekeepers are currently undertaking various tasks in the Mission. We support the MINUSMA adaptation plan and have pledged to actively consider dispatching an unmanned aircraft system unit. We sincerely hope MINUSMA will actively implement resolution 2518 (2020), on the safety of peacekeepers, adopted in March, to effectively protect the safety and security of peacekeepers and ensure that necessary security supplies are in place. The African continent is facing the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus disease pandemic. As President Xi Jinping stressed in his speech to the seventy-third World Health Assembly, helping developing countries, especially African countries, in the battle against the pandemic should be the top priority of the international community. The international community should provide more material, technical and personnel support to African countries. China has delivered a large amount of medical aid to more than 50 African countries, including Mali and the African Union, and sent 148 medical experts to 11 African countries. We will establish a cooperation mechanism for our hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals, accelerate the construction of the headquarters of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and help African countries improve their capabilities in disease prevention and control. Once a vaccine is available in China, we will make it a global public good and make sure African and other developing countries are among the first to benefit. We sincerely hope that, with joint efforts by us all, Africa will defeat the pandemic and restore hope across the continent.

First, allow me to welcome you, Sir, and thank you for presiding over this meeting. I thank Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union (AU) High Representative for Mali and the Sahel Pierre Buyoya for their briefings. I would also like to convey my sincere appreciation to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which continues to do its best to implement its mandate. I would also like pay tribute to all the personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this noble endeavour, including the two peacekeepers who lost their lives in the quest for peace in Mali. I would like to share three points. First, we are encouraged by the progress achieved thus far. As mentioned by the AU High Representative, the inclusive national dialogue has raised many hopes. We also welcome the holding of the second-round legislative elections, which saw a threefold increase in women elected to the National Assembly, which is welcome news. The redeployment of the reconstituted army to Gao, Kidal, Ménaka and Timbuktu is also politically significant, as it marks the return of State presence in the north. All of this is happening against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease pandemic, which poses a significant challenge. We view it as crucial to continue supporting all Malian stakeholders in accelerating the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Moving forward, all efforts should be focused on achieving further progress, including: the holding of the constitutional referendum; the transfer of competencies to local authorities; the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration catch-up phase; and implementation of pilot projects for the Northern Development Zone. Secondly, we remain concerned by the volatile security situation. We condemn all attacks targeting MINUSMA and international forces in Mali. We reiterate once again that any attack on United Nations peacekeeping personnel is unacceptable and its perpetrators must be brought to justice. We are also concerned at the ongoing clashes between militias, as well as the intercommunal violence, which have resulted in many casualties. Despite these issues, MINUSMA has performed relatively well and embarked on a crucial adaptation plan. We support that plan and efforts to generate the required capabilities. We have indicated our initial pledge for MINUSMA’s adaptation plan and will further explore possibilities of future support. And, as I have stated on many occasions, including in the Security Council Chamber, we are proud that our peacekeepers, including women personnel, have been contributing to MINUSMA. Currently, we have more than 1,600 peacekeepers deployed in various missions in Africa. In this regard, I would like to stress the importance of the provision of adequate resources for MINUSMA. As the Force Commander reiterated during the meeting earlier this month (see S/2020/514), MINUSMA must have the means to properly execute its mandate. We therefore call on all countries to fulfil their outstanding contributions, which will be crucial for improving peacekeeping performance. In line with the appeal of the Secretary-General, we also call on all countries to ensure the reliability and predictability of the overall budget for United Nations peacekeeping and to avoid cutting the existing budget, which was already quite insufficient for the proper undertaking of peacekeeping missions. On MINUSMA, we note the assessment of the Secretary-General regarding MINUSMA support to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel, and affirm that we must continue to consider the options presented for enhanced international support. Like other speakers, we also support the extension of MINUSMA’s mandate. Thirdly, lasting peace and stability in Mali can be achieved only through a comprehensive approach. That includes providing basic services, reducing community violence, dismantling militias and creating opportunities for young people. It is also important to alleviate humanitarian suffering, address displacement and combat impunity and human rights violations. In conclusion, we concur with the Secretary-General that the full implementation of the Peace Agreement remains the viable path to stability in Mali. MINUSMA’s presence is crucial, and its mandate remains relevant. We need to continue supporting Malian stakeholders and MINUSMA in advancing the peace process despite this difficult time. We must work together towards long-term peace, stability and prosperity in the country. Indonesia will continue to support and contribute in that regard.

I thank the Secretary-General and the African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel for their briefings. As Mali navigates pathways towards durable peace and people-centred development with the support of the international community, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines commends the recent progress towards the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. In this regard, we highlight as significant the support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to the redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian army to northern Mali, the bolstering of policing capabilities, and the country’s holding of the second round of legislative elections, on 19 April, in spite of the challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The increased number of women elected to the legislature, from 14 to 41, signals both symbolic and qualitative shifts in the terms of engagement with women. We also welcome steps towards increasing women’s participation in the follow-up mechanism of the Agreement and the imminent appointment of six women to the Agreement Monitoring Committee, and encourage further democratization with respect to gender and young people across public institutions, as outlined in the Agreement. The Government of Mali, with MINUSMA’s support, must be recognized for the COVID-19 response — particularly the provision of sanitary supplies to justice institutions and the release of prisoners in order to protect persons in detention facilities, but also for the coordinated approach with public, private and other international actors to mitigate the effects. MINUSMA’s support for the establishment of reconciliation committees in central Mali, and their capacity- building work on reconciliation and social cohesion, conducted across the linguistic divide, are noteworthy, given ongoing intercommunal hostilities in the central region. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines condemns the continued terrorist attacks in Mali and the wider Sahel region. We express our deepest sympathy to the families of those civilians and peacekeepers who lost their lives in the past few months as a consequence of that violence. As the number of food-insecure and internally displaced persons in Mali and the wider Sahel region continues to rise, combating violent extremism and intercommunal violence remains urgent. This situation, we must emphasize, is primarily due to armed conflict and climate change. We endorse the call for greater support of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), and their work in defence of the tri-border and wider Sahel region. We also reiterate the request made by the G-5 Sahel countries, and echoed recently by the African members of the Security Council together with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, that the Joint Force be placed under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. This would be advisable given MINUSMA’s limited ability and mandate to provide support outside of Mali, and as armed terrorist groups are well networked across borders in the region. Notwithstanding these limitations, we welcome MINUSMA’s force adaptation efforts towards a more mobile, flexible and agile posture, in line with the principles of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate that durable peace demands the simultaneous pursuit of a comprehensive security agenda as well as inclusive socioeconomic development. Lasting peace also requires a renewed social contract in which the State, with the support of its international partners, re-establishes its authority by protecting civilians and strengthening essential institutions. We welcome efforts to accelerate the decentralization of key State services; the operationalization of the Northern Development Zone; the greater focus on education and psychosocial support for children and survivors of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence; and engagement with Malian women and youth organizations currently pursuing adaptation and resilience strategies for economic development. We stand with Malians on the cusp of engineering futures beyond the limits of violence and conflict, COVID-19 and adverse climate.

I thank Secretary-General Guterres and Special Envoy Buyoya for their briefings today. I welcome Foreign Ministers Le Drian and Dramé and all the Foreign Ministers to the Council and thank you, Sir, for convening this briefing. Your nation, Mr. President, has been committed to bringing peace and stability to the Sahel region and tens of millions of its people who want a better future free of the daily threat of terrorist groups and widespread trafficking of drugs, weapons, and even humans. I wish to congratulate you and your country’s courageous forces for killing the leader of Al-Qaida in northern Africa, Abdelmalek Droukdel, along with members of his inner circle, last week. This daring operation and others, such as the capture of a senior Islamic State group commander in Mali last month, are exacting severe blows on terrorist groups that not only threaten the people of the Sahel and Maghreb regions, but all of us who are gathered here today. We are grateful for France’s commitment and sacrifice. The Pau summit in January has re-energized the region’s efforts to address the failing security situation in the Sahel, and we welcome tomorrow’s ministerial meeting on the Coalition for the Sahel and its objective of improving coordination. The United States also recognizes that peace and stability in that region are not a shared effort. Last month, three Chadian peacekeepers were killed in northern Mali — a stark reminder that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) remains the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world. The United States offers its gratitude and appreciation to the troops, police and civilians of MINUSMA and other security forces in the region, whose personal sacrifices promote peace and stability in Mali and the Sahel. We also recognize the challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and commend the mission for taking the necessary steps to protect its people and the civilian population while accomplishing its mission. We mourn the two individuals the Mission has lost to COVID-19 and wish a speedy recovery for those who are sick. As the Council renews MINUSMA for its eighth year, we must be clear-eyed about the pattern of failure by the signatory parties to implement the 2015 Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Most of the benchmarks in last year’s mandate have not been achieved. Constitutional reform and transfer of State services are far from complete; no pilot projects for the Northern Development Zone have been implemented; and while the goal of redeploying 3,000 reconstituted Malian forces only fell short by 500, many of these forces are far from operational and still receive support and protection from United Nations forces. Meanwhile, the people of Mali continue to suffer under a stalled peace process. Terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence continue to kill and maim innocent civilians. Moreover, the humanitarian situation is worsening — Mali’s displaced population has more than doubled in the past year and millions of people are suffering from food insecurity. The signatory parties’ inability to make significant progress since the signing of the accord in 2015 perpetuates the worsening security environment in the Sahel and prevents MINUSMA from fully implementing its mandate. We have a tremendous opportunity to use this mandate renewal to bring real and lasting change to the people of Mali. It begins with incentivizing the parties to follow through on the mandate’s benchmarks. MINUSMA must begin planning its gradual withdrawal and eventual exit, so that genuine trust can develop between the signatory armed groups and the Government of Mali, and so that the Government can also gain confidence in taking over the country’s security responsibilities. MINUSMA should assess when it can make a troop reduction to signal the Council’s expectation that MINUSMA’s presence is not indefinite. The Council must also continue to increase MINUSMA’s efficiency and effectiveness by supporting the Commander’s force adaptation plan and improving troop and police quality throughout the mission. We commend the Force Commander, Lieutenant General Gyllensporre, for his work to prioritize troop performance and hold poor performers accountable. We also commend his efforts to maximize troop capabilities through the development of the adaptation plan. We continue to call on Member States that have those capabilities to consider providing them to MINUSMA. We desire more candid reporting from the Secretary-General, and for the Force to have greater influence in how it applies and distributes its resources. The United States is committed to establishing peace, security and a brighter future for the people of Mali, the Sahel and West Africa. This is why we are the largest financial contributor to MINUSMA and the largest supporter of predeployment training for its contingents. It is why we have spent billions of dollars on security, development and humanitarian assistance in Mali and the region. We are also committed to supporting the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel by providing equipment, training and advisory support to fill critical capability gaps on a bilateral basis, and continue to call on other countries to do the same. As Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix pointed out last week (see S/2020/515), extremists are attempting to capitalize on the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine State authority and destabilize Governments. With innocent lives lost daily, schools shuttered and many people denied access to basic services, we all must be proactive in the face of such devastation and danger. As I close today, I want to again stress my gratitude to my colleagues here who have been providing the humanitarian and military support needed to get Mali and the region healthy and to a much healthier place. While we breathe a sigh of relief that Droukdel and other evil actors no longer have the ability to terrorize people, the threat remains. The Security Council must do its upmost to support the peace process and work to address the violence and political problems that plague Mali. Terrorism thrives in the current instability and we, as a Council, must be relentless in our resolve to help the people of Mali and millions of other people in the Sahel.

I would like to thank you, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, for presiding over this important meeting and for your statement. I would also like to thank Secretary-General António Guterres and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, for their insightful briefings. I would like also to express our warmest welcome and appreciation to all Ministers for their statements. We welcome the progress made by the signatory parties in implementing the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. It is encouraging to note that the Government of Mali, with the support of the United Nations team and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), has quickly responded to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, so that the implementation of the aforementioned agreement has not been delayed. We also welcome the peaceful conduct of legislative elections in Mali. Remarkably, the number of elected women has increased threefold in comparison with the previous period. However, we remain concerned about the security situation in Mali as a result of terrorism and intercommunal violence. The number of terrorist attacks on civilians, peacekeepers and security forces has drastically increased in the northern and central Mali. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Government and the families of peacekeepers who lost their lives in recent terrorist attacks. We are also concerned about the withdrawal of the State’s presence in the concerned areas, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compounding the dire humanitarian and security situation. In total, 3.8 million children in Mali are now affected by school closures, and 1.3 million are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity. We welcome the support of MINUSMA for the redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian army to northern Mali. We also welcome its efforts in response to requests of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). However, the Mission has also been coping with tremendous challenges and difficulties in implementing its mandate against the backdrop of instability and insecurity in the north and centre of the country. My delegation therefore wishes to make the following observations. First, we call on all concerned parties to spare no effort to speed up the reform processes envisaged in the Peace Agreement. It is necessary for signatory parties to strengthen mutual trust and work together to keep up the momentum of the peace process. The full implementation of the Peace Agreement remains the only viable path to a more stable and secure Mali. Secondly, we call on the Government of Mali, regional and international organizations and other partners to strengthen their cooperation to tackle the root causes of terrorism. Thirdly, we urge the Government of Mali and other concerned parties to uphold their obligations and responsibilities to implement international humanitarian law and the protection of women and children in northern and central Mali. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. Fourthly, we call for a coherent and integrated approach to the security, humanitarian, climate-change and development challenges in Mali. We are therefore of the view that there should be more workshops, seminars on capacity- building and training courses for women and youth on sustainable development. The recommendations of the high-level workshop to enhance women’s participation should be fully implemented. It is also necessary for all parties concerned to redouble their efforts to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs and mitigate the destabilizing impacts of COVID-19. In conclusion, we commend the tireless efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mahamat Saleh Annadif and United Nations civilian and uniformed personnel for their commitment to peace and stability in Mali. We support the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate for 12 months on the basis of the needs of the Government of Mali and in line with Security Council resolutions. The renewal will also help MINUSMA to further implement its operations in Mali and to provide logistic services and life support for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force.