On Tuesday 5 April, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, reported to the Security Council of the United Nations about the worrying situation in which the “blue helmets” are operating in central and northern Mali. Indeed, an escalation of violence in the country has subjected the peacekeepers to significant attacks and losses.
The instability affecting the country in 2012 led to the activation in 2013 of the United Nations Mission in Mali with the aim of supporting the transition to peace that was agreed with the 2015 agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali. However, despite attempts to stabilize the country, the civilian population and peacekeepers are still targets of violent attacks in the territory. A recent incident highlighted by Lacroix was the attack against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp in Aguelhok, in the Kidal region, which resulted in the death of four peacekeepers, while 19 others were injured.
During his communication to the Security Council, Lacroix has argued that, despite the progress made towards the peace process, a successful political transition is crucial for the country's long-term stability. In light of this, he urged Malian political actors to implement political and institutional reforms, such as the change of the electoral law, so as to ensure the holding of "peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections". Furthermore, the Under-Secretary-General stressed the importance of the role played by the international community, whose support is fundamental in order to ensure that national actors respect their commitments.
To know more, please read:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089112
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1088982
Author: Francesca Mencuccini ; Editor: Carla Leonetti
