Statement by the Delegation of Brazil at the UNSC meeting on Mali (MINUSMA) - April 6th, 2022

Madam President,

Recent Secretary-General’s reports on the situation in Mali document a worrying dynamic: the persistence of high levels of violence and limited progress in the political process. It is painful to note that this trend was accentuated in the period covered by the latest report. Of particular concern are accounts of serious human rights violations and the significant increase in the number of grave violations against children.

Brazil understands the seriousness of the terrorist threat in the Sahel and supports the efforts of the Malian transitional authorities, in coordination the G5-Sahel Joint Force, in the fight against terrorist groups. But the human rights of the Malian population must not be compromised in the name of the fight against terrorism.

We urge the Malian transitional authorities to allow an impartial investigation of reports of summary executions of civilians in Mora, allegedly carried out by members of the Malian Armed Forces with the support of foreign fighters. If the allegations are confirmed, it is essential that those involved answer for their actions, in order to ensure that abuses do not happen again. It is also important to note that the presence of foreign mercenaries on the ground is not a solution, much less a sustainable solution to the security situation  and might increase the risks of human rights violations, illegal exploitation of natural resources and political instability, as observed in crises elsewhere.

Madam President,

Brazil believes that the current level of violence is directly related to the near paralysis in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The postponement of the return to the constitutional framework and the absence of an acceptable timeframe for elections threaten the credibility of the reconciliation process, in a scenario that becomes more complex with the presence of terrorist groups and signs of a worsening humanitarian situation.

We encourage the transitional authorities and other political forces in Mali to fulfill their commitments in the Peace Agreement and accelerate the implementation of its provisions, such as the reintegration of former combatants. We also support the holding of elections within an acceptable and realistic timeframe, so that the transition period does not last longer than necessary.

Madam President,

The violence of recent weeks and the stagnation of the political process must not make us to lose sight of the root causes of the conflict. The eventual success of stabilization and reconciliation efforts depends on addressing Mali’s development needs, especially in the north and the center of the country. In this sense, Brazil urges the Malian transitional authorities to finalize the comprehensive politically-led strategy for the Center and highlights the importance of expediting progress on the Development Zone of the Northern Regions of Mali.

We urge the transitional authorities to collaborate with ECOWAS so that the sanctions, imposed in response to the postponement of the elections, may be lifted in the near future. Mali is already under the negative impact of other conflicts on food prices, and there is a real risk that the current situation will turn into a humanitarian catastrophe. We must highlight the plight of the more than 960,000 children under the age of five at risk of acute malnutrition.

Madam President,

In June, the Council will discuss the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate. Recent developments, which include the withdrawal of troops from Operation Barkhane and the Takuba Task Force, have significantly altered the conditions on the ground. Brazil considers it essential to ensure that MINUSMA has the necessary resources to support the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the political transition, as well as to protect civilians and support the restoration of the Malian State authority in the center.

Finally, Brazil welcomes MINUSMA’s initiatives to improve communication with the Malian population about its mandate and activities. MINUSMA’s strategic communications capabilities should be strengthened in order to maintain the Mission’s ability to achieve its political, protection and humanitarian goals. Brazil welcomes the commitment of the Secretary-General to mainstream strategic communications into both planning and day-to-day operational decisions of missions, including MINUSMA, as stated in its Action for Peacekeeping Plus Plan.

Thank you.