Statement by Brazil in the Security Council briefing on MINUSMA - January 11th 2022

Madam President,

I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative El-Ghassim Wane for presenting the quarterly report on the situation in Mali. His report leaves no doubt about the escalation of violence in recent months. I also thank Ms. Dicko for her presentation, and I thank the representative of Mali for his participation in this session.

The situation is extremely serious, considering that the country is weakened by years of conflict and vulnerable to the action of extremists and other forces that oppose national reconciliation. In this scenario, the proposal of the transitional authorities, to postpone for up to five years the return to the constitutional framework, in no way contributes to the stabilization efforts.

A comprehensive political reform is of interest to all sectors of Malian society. The initiative to base it on broad popular consultation, bearing in mind the participation of women and minority groups, is commendable. But the Malian people deserve a prompt transition towards democracy. This is the only way to build legitimate institutions, without which the country will continue to face serious threats to its integrity.

For this reason, Brazil supports ECOWAS’s efforts to ensure the timely conclusion of the political transition. From the beginning, ECOWAS has played an extremely important role in fostering dialogue among local political forces and promoting the expedite return to the constitutional order. We urge the Malian transitional authorities to heed the messages sent by ECOWAS and to hold general elections as soon as possible.

It is important to bear in mind that elections alone will not be enough to end the Malian conflict. To stop the escalation of violence, it is essential to implement the commitments made by the parties to the Peace Agreement. Unfortunately, the Secretary General’s report indicates that little progress has been made in this regard in recent months.

Madam President,

We urge all political forces to respect the commitments made in Algiers, in particular the integration of ex-combatants into the armed forces. At this time, when the peace process is under threat from insurgent groups, the political leadership must take the necessary steps to earn the trust of the Malian people and the international community.

We share the Special Representative’s great concern about the activities of rebel groups and terrorist organizations in Mali, especially the expansion of the terrorist threat in southern Mali and the significant increase in attacks against MINUSMA camps and personnel. The recent attacks, which resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians and nine peacekeepers, demonstrate that we are still far from achieving stability and guaranteeing the safety of the civilian population. Reports of human rights violations continue to be commonplace, without those responsible being brought to justice to answer for their crimes.

Brazil firmly supports the work of MINUSMA, whose mandate remains extremely relevant. We were particularly pleased that the most recent report on the mission highlighted the quick impact projects and community violence reduction projects implemented by MINUSMA, which contribute to the achievement of the mission’s priorities and help address the root causes of conflict in the country. MINUSMA has done everything possible to contain an even greater deterioration in security conditions.

However, the mission’s mandate should be understood as transitory, and a lasting solution depends on the Malian state being able to assume its responsibilities. Brazil defends the strengthening of state institutions and security forces in Mali, with strong support from the international community. We welcome the Malian authorities’ efforts toward the elaboration a comprehensive politically-led strategy for central Mali and hope that it will be finalized soon.

In order to reverse the continued deterioration of the security situation in Mali, there is an urgent need to advance in the timely conclusion of the political transition and in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Brazil thanks MINUSMA and Special Representative El-Ghassim Wane for their invaluable efforts to support both processes.

Thank you, Madam President.