The UN Secretary General presented his report to the members of the Security Council on Wednesday. He deplored the difficulties faced by the United Nations Mission in Mali, and expressed concern about a possible ” empty security after the withdrawal of the French force Barkhane.
“ The withdrawal and end of operations by French forces is likely to create a vacuum in some regions that risks being exploited by armed terrorist groupsespecially on the main supply routes “Writes Antonio Guterres in a progress report on the evolution of the situation in Mali between March 31 and May 31, 2022. He notes that the Minusma will no longer be able to ” in the medium term count on the presence of an anti-terrorist force “. Barkhane to complete its disengagement at the end of August.
This fear is expressed when the Minusma had noted Monday in its report an increase in violence of more than 320% in the first quarter. Violence committed by jihadist groups, but also by the Malian army and its auxiliaries. A ” significant deterioration », which affects the regions of Gao, but even more from Ménaka. This area of the three borders has largely fallen under the control of the Islamic State group in the Greater Sahara.
Antonio Guterres also notes that the authorities have ” gradually extended the geographical areas inaccessible to the mission, including overflight bans, which impede the execution of its mandate “. Last point: the restrictions on the renewal of African soldiers of the Minusma. Some have to wait another four months before returning to their country, due to travel and flight blockages.