Declaração da Delegação do Brasil em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre o Mali - 13 de junho de 2022 (texto em inlgês)

June 13^th 2022

Mister President,

We received with dismay the news of the terrorist attacks against MINUSMA in Kidal, on June 1st, and in the vicinity of Douentza, on June 3rd. We regret the casualties between peacekeepers from Egypt and Jordan and offer our sincere condolences and solidarity to the governments of both countries, to the families of the victims as well as to MINUSMA.

Brazil reiterates its firm condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. There is no justification for such acts. We support the efforts of the Malian Armed Forces to fight terrorism, as well as the initiative to improve communication with local populations to ensure support for military operations. However, we consider it essential that the transition authorities resume effective and close cooperation with the G5 Sahel Force.

Moreover, the said authorities should refrain from acts that may impose restrictions on the work of MINUSMA, especially with regard to freedom of movement and the rotation of contingents. Such acts inevitably produce undesirable impact on the mission’s ground and air operations and ultimately affect the fulfillment of MINUSMA’s mandate.

Mister President,

It is encouraging to see that the ceasefire and other provisions of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation are respected despite the recent deterioration of security. We encourage Malian political forces to remain engaged in dialogue and seek a speedy conclusion to the transition period, with the definition of a realistic electoral timetable without further delay. 

In this regard, Brazil supports the decision of ECOWAS, at the summit of heads of state and government on the 4th, to keep open the channels of dialogue with the transition authorities. We welcome the efforts of mediator Goodluck Jonathan to find a solution to the impasse, and urge the transition authorities to cooperate with the regional organization, so that sanctions can be lifted and Mali’s relations with the countries of the region normalized as soon as possible.

Brazil also supports confidence-building measures among Malian political forces. The return to democratic normality is a collective endeavor, which must include women, youth, and ethnic and religious minorities.

Mister President,

The Secretary-General’s report contains alarming information regarding the human rights situation. We reiterate our concern at reports of abuses and violations, especially those allegedly perpetrated by members of the Malian Armed Forces and foreign combatants. These reports must be investigated transparently and promptly.

Restrictions on civil society and freedom of expression are also deeply unsettling. Censorship and persecution of opponents are incompatible with a democratic and pluralistic society, and lead to erosion of hard-won progress in the country’s stabilization. We urge transition authorities to refrain from actions that limit civic space, reaffirming their commitment to a prompt return to the constitutional framework. 

Mister President,

This month, the Security Council will renew MINUSMA’s mandate. Brazil is ready to engage constructively in negotiations to ensure that the Mission is up to the challenges posed by the deterioration of security conditions in Mali, especially after the withdrawal of French troops.

I thank you.