I would like to thank our briefers for their comprehensive overviews and the insights they have provided on the most recent developments in Mali. I would like to express Estonia’s full support to the work of MINUSMA and to the upcoming mandate renewal.
The political upheaval in Mali is extremely concerning. Estonia condemns the forcible resignation of the civilian President and the Prime Minister of the transition. We take note that the new civilian prime minister has formed a government over the weekend and we call on the country´s leadership to turn their full attention to the fragile security situation. This past weekend yet another attack in the northern part of the country left two soldiers dead. The civilian-led transition has to continue according to the Transition roadmap to allow the elections to take place in February 2022. We welcome the engagement of the regional organisations, in particular the African Union and ECOWAS, in supporting the political transition in Mali.
The Algiers Peace Agreement remains the basis of the peace process in Mali. While we note positively that the Agreement Monitoring Committee has regularly met, we strongly encourage the parties to commit to taking concrete steps forward in the very slow implementation of the agreement. More progress is needed in the redeployment and effective use of reconstituted units of the army, and securing the state presence and services in the North of Mali. It is also important to note that all those obstructing the peace process need to be held accountable.
It is of utmost importance to prepare for the elections in an inclusive manner through a clear and transparent process. In this connection, we underline the importance of strengthening the role of women in all political processes. The presentation of Ms. Maiga, whom we are glad to welcome in the Council, has strongly made the case for this. We welcome the increased representation of women on the Agreement Monitoring Committee and call on the parties to the Peace Agreement to increase the representation of women on its subcommittees and in other implementation mechanisms of the agreement.
In order to bring relief to the continually dire security situation, especially in the Centre of Mali, a clear and comprehensive strategic approach is needed from the Malian government. The regional and international efforts to bring stability to Mali will continue, but eventually their role is to support the government’s efforts. We therefore need to see a stronger ownership of Malian authorities in restoring the state presence all over the country, including judicial and police presence. That will enable taking the desperately needed control over armed groups and extremist elements, and addressing the root causes of the instability.
Estonia remains concerned about the deteriorating situation of the civilian population and the rapid growth in human rights violations and abuses. Deliberate targeting of civilians, as well as the national and international security presence by terrorists and localised armed groups is unacceptable. Every effort needs to be made to stop this violence from spreading any further.
An essential part in addressing the human rights violations and abuses is the fight against impunity. The conviction of an individual connected to two attacks against MINUSMA personnel in 2015 is encouraging. However, the mass violations and abuses in central and northern Mali continue and unfortunately keep growing, with the most vulnerable among the civilian population, including women and children, paying the highest price. We strongly urge the Malian authorities to follow through with all announced investigations. The only way forward to a lasting peace is to take concrete action in breaking the cycle of impunity and ensuring that all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses as well as violators of international humanitarian law are brought to justice.
Estonia remains concerned about the humanitarian situation in Mali. It is essential that access to schools and other essential state services will be granted in a safe manner. Moreover, taking into account the adverse effects of climate change in an important element of addressing the root causes of the instability in Mali as well as in the wider Sahel region.