UN Security Council Completes Security Aid Briefing Visit in Mali

Written by Makula Dunbar

Feb 04, 2014

The Security Council today wrapped up a two-day visit to Mali, where it got a first-hand look at United Nations efforts to assist the West African nation as it emerges from crisis and tackle a host of political, security, development and humanitarian challenges.

The Government is seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d’état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.

The Council last April authorized the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to assist the authorities in their efforts, with support from the French security mission in Mali, known as Serval.

The 15 members of the Security Council began their visit on Sunday in Mopti, which is 600 kilometres northeast of the capital, Bamako, where they held meetings with the governor and other local authorities. They also met with civil society representatives from northern Mali.

The Council members then visited the MINUSMA’s camp in Mopti and were briefed on the security situation, as well as on the activities of the UN agencies present in the region. They also visited the camp’s field hospital.

Back in Bamako, the Council delegation met with the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, and other members of his cabinet.

Today, the delegation met with the Serval Commander and with the Head of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM), as well as with Government officials and members of Parliament.