Growing tension in Mali may delay the departure of the UN mission

On Saturday, the United Nations expressed its deep concern about the escalation of tensions The growing armed presence in northern Mali, which could “prevent an orderly and timely exit.”“For the United Nations Stabilization Mission in that country (MINUSMA).

In a statement, the United Nations spokesman highlighted this situation as well It would jeopardize the safe transportation of UN personnel and assets owned by troop-contributing countries and the Organization, in addition to endangering the mission’s air operations to protect and facilitate its withdrawal from Mali.

“United Nations Organization He reiterates his determination to complete the departure on time From a country MINUSMAThat is, on December 31, 2023, as stipulated by the Security Council after Mali’s request to withdraw the mission without delay.

The caravan dead ends in Gao

In this sense, the United Nations has since again expressed its concern Since September 24, its logistical convoys have been unable to leave Gao city To collect equipment from the United Nations and troop-contributing countries currently in Aguelhok, Tessalit and Kidal.

It could be for this Significant impact on the mission’s ability to meet schedule He pointed out that the facility.

Risk of forced departure

According to the World Organization, the increasing tensions in northern Mali increase the possibility of the mission’s forced departure without being able to recover the aforementioned equipment, which would cause Huge financial losses to cooperating countries and would prevent the United Nations from supporting other peacekeeping operations that need such goods.

The United Nations stressed that “All parties must commit to abstaining from voting From any action or statement that could jeopardize the safe and timely withdrawal of MINUSMA.

He also pointed out that Resolution 2690 issued in Security Council It calls on the transitional government in Mali to fully cooperate with the United Nations Ensuring an orderly and safe departure from the mission, you are requested to fully respect all provisions From the Statute of Forces Agreement to the departure of the last component of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from Mali.