(Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/29795162411)

The last Security Council meeting in June convened today to discuss the exacerbated situation in Mali and rally support from the member states on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), set to expire on June 30th, for another 12 months. The chair began with the Secretary-General’s report on the status of Mali and the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the concerned region, which identified unresolved dangers to peace and proved the cruciality of MINUSMA’s work. By passing resolution 2480 without any objections, the mission was given a modified framework with clearer benchmarks on the definition of success and more specific and centralized work in the most dangerous area of Mali.

Member states demonstrated unwavering support for the work of MINUSMA and reiterated the importance for stakeholders in the region to shoulder the responsibility of following through the peace agreement and reconciling the society. Some countries, following France, called for sanctions for the political leaders who fail to honor and implement the agreement before the Secretary-General produced another report after 6 months. On the other hand, Russian Federation withheld reservation for such a punitive act. While commending the endeavors of MINUSMA, the international community collectively demanded more actions on the side of Malian decision makers for the better stability initiated by the locals and for the locals. The US and Germany further commented on the more clarified role of the mission, which is to focus on Central Mali and enhance collaborative operations with other security forces such as G5. Lastly, the council urged for the consideration of more aspects of the situation in Mali, including the detriments of climate changes and female participation in decision making.

Meeting: Security Council, Meeting 8568

Date/Location: Friday, June 28^th, 2019; 10:00-13:00; Security Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speakers:

The representative of Kuwait, President of the Security Council

Interventions by member states and Mali representative

Written By: WIT Representative Yung-Hsuan Wu