New York, 13 April 2023 (TDI): The security situation in Mali remains volatile because of the resurgence of terrorist activities in the country, said the chief of the United Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) El-Ghassim Wane.
The MINUSAMA chief briefed the Ambassadors at the Security Council about the peace process and the transition to civilian rule in Mali.
RESURGENCE OF VIOLENCE
The focus of the briefing was the security situation and the need for humanitarian assistance in Mali.
Wane said that the security situation in the northeastern region of Ménaka has deteriorated because of the resurgence of fighting between the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and JNIM, a militant organization operating in the country.
There is competition between extremist groups for influence in the region and to control supply lines.
The civilians have suffered due to the resurgence in violence.
He further said that the extremists have resorted to planting IEDs to hinder the movements of the security forces.
The extremists have also attacked police stations along the supply lines.
The MINUSMA peacekeepers coordinate with Malian security forces to protect the civilians and help diffuse intra-communal tension through reconciliation efforts.
Also read: UNSC briefing on security challenges faced by West Africa & Sahel
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Due to the flow of thousands of internally displaced persons, the humanitarian situation in Mali has gotten worse.
The internally displaced persons are in desperate need of food, water, medicine, and shelter.
Wane stressed the need for more coordination between the peacekeeping mission and the Malian security forces. He also pledged to assist with the implementation of the Government’s recent three-year stabilization strategy for the center.
Wane concluded his briefing by saying that the UN “offers the best framework to support the lasting stabilization of Mali and the larger Sahel region.
