MALI / SC DELEGATION VISIT

A Security Council delegation 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. MINUSMA

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:02:46
• Production Date: 3 February 2014
• Asset Language: Original
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED STABILIZATION MISSION IN MALI - MINUSMA
• Subject Topical: SECURITY COUNCIL
• Geographic Subject: MALI
• MAMS Id: U140203e

Description

STORY: MALI / SC DELEGATION VISIT
TRT: 2:46
SOURCE: MINUSMA
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: FRENCH / NATS
DATELINE: 1 FEBRUARY 2014, BAMAKO, MALI

Shotlist

DATELINE: 1 FEBRUARY 2014, BAMAKO, MALI

1. Various shots, Security Council delegation arrival
2. Various shots, delegation
3. SOUNDBITE (French) Ambassador Gérard Araud of France:
“Seven months after the deployment of MINUSMA in Mali, the Security Council’s visit objective is to support the stabilization of the country and the action of the UN Mission. The peacekeepers are deployed under very difficult conditions in North Mali; and therefore, we want to receive all the information necessary. After the plan of establishing the constitutional order, establishment that we owe to the Malian people, the members of the Security Council wish to put in place an inclusive national dialogue for a durable solution in the North of Mali. A solution decided by the Malian and for the Malian”.
4. Various shots, delegation
5. Wide shot, UN buses with the delegation

Storyline

The Security Council today (3 Feb) 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 meet with civil society representatives from northern Mali.

Speaking to the press after the arrival on Saturday, ambassador Gérard Araud of France said “seven months after the deployment of MINUSMA in Mali, the Security Council’s visit objective is to support the stabilization of the country and the action of the UN Mission.”

He added “the peacekeepers are deployed under very difficult conditions in North Mali; and therefore, we want to receive all the information necessary. After the plan of establishing the constitutional order, establishment that we owe to the Malian people, the members of the Security Council wish to put in place an inclusive national dialogue for a durable solution in the North of Mali. A solution decided by the Malian and for the Malian”.

The Council members 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.

Prior to leaving for Mali, the Council last week warned that terrorists and other armed groups appear to have reorganized “and gained some ability to operate” amid the already fragile security situation in northern Mali, and called on all Member States to support the full deployment of UN peacekeepers in the country
.
“The Security Council stresses the importance of achieving without further delays the complete operational deployment of MINUSMA to stabilize key population centres and protect civilians,” it said in a Presidential Statement, noting that the primary responsibility for securing the country rests with the Government.

The Mission would “continue to support the re-establishment of State authority throughout the country and the promotion of the rule of law and promotion of human rights,” the Council added.