United Nations Police (UNPOL) Officers from Benin serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Malian National Guard Officer conduct daily joint patrols in the streets of Gao, to ensure general security, maintain order and offer protection of civilians. They are escorted by Formed Police Unit (FPU) from the Burkina Faso Contingent. (Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES’
UNITED NATIONS – NEW YORK – The Security Council on Wednesday renewed the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2022. Unanimously adopting resolution 2584 (2021) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15-member Security Council called on all Malian stakeholders to facilitate the full realization of the political transition and handover of power to elected civilian authorities within the 18-month transition period, as decided during the 15 September 2020 meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Meanwhile, violence continues in the ravaged Sahel region. At least 7 Malian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack last Friday in the east central region of the west African nation, Mali’s military reported.
The Security Council unanimously adopts resolution 2584 (2021) extending the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2022. (UN Photo: Eskinder Debebe)
12 German soldiers Wounded in Terror Attack in Mali
At least 12 German soldiers were among UN peacekeepers injured in a vehicle bomb attack on a camp in northern Mali on Friday, the UN said. The incident follows Thursday’s attack with another improvised explosive device on another UN patrol in the same area, which did not result in casualties. All of the wounded soldiers were flown by helicopter to Gao, where they were being treated at German, French and Chinese medical facilities, according to German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbaue. Three of the soldiers were severely wounded.
Security Council Decides MINUSMA Mission Continue to Comprise up to 13,289 Military Personnel
In addition to extending MINUSMA’s mandate, the Council decided that the Mission shall continue to comprise up to 13,289 military and 1,920 police personnel. Highlighting the growing insecurity and physical violence against civilians in central Mali, the Council also requested that the Secretary-General provide recommendations on the force levels and ceiling of MINUSMA’s uniformed personnel no later than 15 July 2021 in order to facilitate its future discussions. The 2020-2021 MINUSMA budget was $1,270,104,400.
United States Opposes use of UN Funds to Establish Support Office for Joint Force
Richard M. Mills, Jr. (United States) said during Wednesday’s debate that, considering MINUSMA’s immense tasks, a clear line must be maintained between counter-terrorism operations and peacekeeping missions in order to protect United Nations impartiality, personnel and efficacy. Noting that the Joint Force is under the control of national Governments — rather than the Security Council — he said the United States does not support the use of United Nations funds to establish a support office for the Joint Force.
France, which has 5,100 troops in the Sahel, reportedly asked Germany last year to deploy more soldiers. Earlier this month, French President Macron announced he was ending France’s Operation Barkhane and pulling out the 5,100 soldiers.
