The Secretary General of the United Nations was worried about “insecurity” and “instability” in the Sahel, which according to him “a global threat”.
Le Monde with AFP
“New solutions” must be found for MINUSMA, the peacekeeping mission in Mali, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Thursday, September 22 during a meeting on the Sahel in Marge of the United Nations General Assembly. “At the request of the Security Council, an overall review of the role of MINUSMA is underway. In the light of changes in the country and the challenges that persist despite collective efforts, new solutions are essential, he said. I will make proposals in this sense in the coming months. “
In June, the UN Security Council extended the Minusma, until June 30, 2023, but for the first time without the air support of France, which has completely withdrew from the Mali in August. The decision, which provides for the maintenance of current workforce (13,289 soldiers and 1,920 police officers), also asked the Secretary General to present by January a report to possibly adapt the format of Minusma and the evolution of his relations with the military junta in power.
More generally, Antonio Guterres was concerned Thursday with “insecurity” and “instability” in the Sahel. “Let’s be clear: the security crisis in the Sahel represents a global threat,” he said. If nothing is done, the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will be felt far beyond the Region and the African continent. “” Reports reporting serious human rights violations committed by non -state armed groups, but also sometimes by certain security forces, are very worrying, “added the UN Secretary General.