Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
On June 29, the UN Security Council voted to renew the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The United States voted in favor of the resolution, which provides a strong mandate for the mission to continue its essential support to the people of Mali by supporting the implementation of the Algiers Accord, protecting civilians, assisting in electoral preparations, and protecting and promoting human rights in Mali.
The United States is deeply concerned by the statement made by Mali’s transition government expressing its intent to deny MINUSMA the freedom of movement necessary to fulfill its mandate. To do so would be a blatant violation of the status of forces agreement (SOFA) that the transition government is obligated to uphold.
The United States is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of UN peacekeepers. Any attempt by host countries, foreign security personnel, or other actors to block freedom of movement of peacekeepers can seriously compromise the safety of those peacekeepers and jeopardize the mission itself.
Moreover, freedom of movement is essential for MINUSMA to carry out the duties assigned to it by the UN Security Council. Since the Security Council first authorized MINUSMA in 2013, it has mandated the mission under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to investigate and report on allegations of human rights violations and abuses. The transition government must not prevent MINUSMA from carrying out any part of its mandate, including this one.
The United States remains fully committed to MINUSMA and the people of Mali. We urge the transition government to immediately and completely uphold its responsibility as a host country of a UN peacekeeping operation and uphold the terms of the SOFA.
Source: https://usun.usmission.gov/statement-by-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-on-the-un-multidimensional-integrated-stabilization-mission-in-mali-minusma/
