The Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, had a meeting in Bamako on Monday with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Mali and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali ( MINUSMA), El-Ghassim Wane.
According to the Malian news agency “AMAP”, the Malian government and MINUSMA thus show their willingness to work together for the smooth running of the withdrawal of the UN Mission which will take six months. The objective is to achieve diligent execution, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Security Council resolution terminating the mandate of MINUSMA.
After this interview, the two officials participated in a working session extended to their close collaborators, and in the presence of the military hierarchy, the same source adds.
At the end of the exchanges, the head of Malian diplomacy declared that this is a first meeting at the request of MINUSMA so that “the two parties can come together to see what is necessary to do, in due to very short deadlines. »
This first exchange, said Diop, “allowed us to see all the tasks and activities to be accomplished, but also the responsibilities that must be located here and there”.
He recognized that there are a lot of things to do in a short time. “This will require, according to him, the mobilization of our teams to be able to respond quickly. “, continues the same source
“We had a cordial exchange between the two parties and we agreed on the work that needs to be done and on the timetable that we must draw up immediately in order to be able to achieve this withdrawal at the indicated period from December 31, 2023,” the minister said.
Abdoulaye Diop indicated that there was also talk of working within the framework of a number of existing mechanisms. In this regard, he said that there is a joint committee between MINUSMA and the government which will meet within 48 hours to be able to start the work.
“As of today, promised Minister Diop, the government party will hold its first consultation. “, notes the Malian agency.
He also noted that there is a lot of goodwill both on the side of the UN Mission and on the side of the government. “We are aware of what emerges from the resolution but also from the directives of our highest authorities so that Mali fully plays its part in respecting the deadlines”, he indicated.
He assured that “Mali remains a member of the United Nations whose agencies, funds and programs will remain in the country and continue to work with our country for the benefit of the Malian populations. »
For his part, the head of MINUSMA said that it is up to his organization, together with its Malian partners, to strive for the diligent execution of the resolution. “This first meeting illustrates this strong desire to move forward quickly and to respect the deadlines”, underlined El-Ghassim Wane.
He acknowledged that executing this exit plan within the stated timeframe is going to be a lot of work. “That’s why we will need to work closely together,” said the UN diplomat. “MINUSMA and the United Nations are determined to ensure the realization of this withdrawal plan within the timeframe that has been stipulated. For this, we will need the accompaniment and support of the Malian state,” he said.
The Security Council recently adopted a resolution by which it terminates the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, as of June 30, 2023.
On June 16, Mali demanded the withdrawal of MINUSMA because of its mandate, which was deemed unsuited to the country’s security situation.
Present in Mali for ten years, MINUSMA’s main missions are to support the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali as well as support for the political transition.