The members of the Security Council held a video conference on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), with the participation of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, Mr Tiébilé Dramé.

They expressed their solidarity with Mali in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. They called on the Government of Mali and the UN to continue working together to prevent the spread of the virus, and for MINUSMA to continue delivering on its mandate despite the pandemic, while ensuring the safety and security of its staff and peacekeepers.

They welcomed the progress made so far in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, while underlining that more progress was needed, and encouraged the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups to continue to accelerate this implementation. They welcomed the conclusions of the national inclusive dialogue, which helped achieving these results.

They condemned the terrorist attack perpetrated on 6 April 2020 against the Malian Defense and Security Forces in Bamba, and expressed their condolences to Mali and to the victims’ families. They called for the swift liberation of Soumaïla Cissé, leader of the opposition. They welcomed recent operations by the G5 Sahel Joint Force, the national armies of the G5 Sahel and the French forces.

They called on the Government of Mali to enhance its efforts to stem violence in the Centre and to ensure that those responsible for violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international law are brought to justice.

They were updated on MINUSMA’s adaptation plan, and reiterated their call on UN Member states to provide the capabilities needed for this plan’s success, as well as the need for its financial implications to be examined by the relevant General Assembly bodies.