UNSC Meeting: Mali's foreign minister requests extension of MINUSMA mandate
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tiébilé Dramé, has reiterated his country's willingness to extend the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Mission for the Stabilization of Mali (MINUSMA).
Dramé was speaking on Thursday during a video conference of the UN Security Council on the security situation in Mali, PANA learnt on Friday from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The monthly meeting, which coincided with the end of the mandate of MINUSMA, was a special opportunity to analyze the latest report of the UN Security Council on the security situation in Mali.
In view of the persistence of insecurity in Mali, and in spite of notable progress in the implementation of the Algiers Agreement aimed at achieving a definitive peace in the country, Dramé requested a new mandate with the current troop strength or more.
Currently, MINUSMA has more than 14,000 troops deployed in northern and the central Mali.
The Malian minister expressed concern over the upsurge in violence and the security situation in central Mali, supported by some members of the Security Council, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs present.
For him: "The extension of the mandate of MINUSMA is a positive message that the Security Council will send to the Malian people" and to add that it is "also a strong sign sent to the troublemakers, the peace process in northern Mali and the terrorist groups operating in central Mali", indicating that "the international community defends its fundamental values, peace and security for all".
With regard to the human rights situation, Dramé reassured that the Malian Government remains fully committed to its policy of zero tolerance and the fight against impunity.
In recent days, associations, human rights organizations and NGOs have accused the Malian Armed Forces of having killed around 40 civilians in villages of Mopti region in central Mali. A mission from the General Inspectorate of the Malian army was sent to the field to investigate the situation.
-0- PANA GT/IS/MTA/AR 12June2020
