Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UN Security Council meeting on MINUSMA - January 27th, 2023

Mr. President,

We received with dismay the news of the terrorist attacks against MINUSMA in Timbuktu, on December 16th. We regret the casualties of two peacekeepers from Nigeria and offer our sincere condolences and solidarity to the government of that country, 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, which remains a major challenge to the restoration of state authority in the centre and the north of Mali. While MINUSMA remains committed to assisting the Malian authorities in that crucial task, it is our duty at the Council to seek safer conditions for peacekeepers and civil personnel alike as they perform their tasks.

In this particular regard, we note with concern that incidents involving protests of the local population against the Mission and acts to prevent peacekeepers from discharging their core duties continue to happen. Taking into account that such episodes primarily result from disinformation, we seize this opportunity to underscore the need to develop the strategic communications component of MINUSMA. We count on other council members to pursue this objective collectively when the Mission’s mandate and tasks are reviewed. The safety and security of peacekeepers should be a top priority.

At the same time, we welcome the final settlement reached between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire on the liberation of the Ivorian troops that had been detained in Malian territory for several months. We hope the transition authorities will thereafter handle the issue of rotation of contingents in a swifter manner, which is more compatible with our common aim to make MINUSMA’s work safer and effective. 

In light of the magnitude of the threats in the security field and the key contribution that cooperation may provide to the Malian Armed Forces, we wish to encourage not only improvements on the collaboration with MINUSMA, but also that further consideration be given to restore or increase coordination with G5 Sahel. Cross-border problems often require regional responses.

Mr. President,

We believe that regional cooperation can be equally beneficial to Mali at the political level. In thisregard, Brazil fully supports the decision of ECOWAS, at the summit of heads of state and government last month to keep the dialogue with the Malian authorities on collaboration to develop and implement a transition plan conducive to the restoration of constitutional order.

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

Mr. President,

It is encouraging to see this renewed engagement with the transition process and the lead-up to elections. However, as an ECOWAS official has rightfully pointed out recently, the transition plan means little without the peace agreement. Therefore, we encourage Malian political forces to remain engaged in dialogue and redouble efforts towards the full implementation of all provisions of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation.

Before I conclude, and in view of the dire humanitarian situation and the worrying socio-economic estimates described in the Secretary-General’s report, my delegation would like to underscore once again the need to address the root causes of conflict. In this sense, we can certainly draw valuable lessons from the engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund with the Sahel.

I thank you, Mr. President.