Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing on the developments in Mali. I would also like to thank Mr. Pierre Buyoya, the African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel for his insightful remarks.
Mr. President,
We commend MINUSMA for the constant efforts in supporting the implementation of the Mali Peace Agreement and implementing its mandate on the protection of civilians in the Center of Mali. We also commend MINUSMA for the support that it has provided to the Malian authorities in conducting the legislative elections.
The Mali Peace Agreement remains the basis for a political solution to the conflict in Mali. To that end, we support leadership and efforts of the Malian Government in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Recent efforts to re-establish presence of the central government in parts of central Mali are necessary and welcome. We are also encouraged by the positive steps towards the redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian armed forces to the North. Presence of national security forces and institutions acts as a deterrent and its role in protecting civilians is vital. Furthermore, it will make room for the functioning state services that are urgently needed.
A long lasting peace in Mali can only come through an inclusive political process. In this connection, the efforts to increase women’s full and meaningful participation need to continue. That includes implementing the recommendations made during the high-level workshop on the participation of women in the decision making process in January. We are encouraged by the fact that the Parliamentary elections in Mali resulted in a nearly three-fold increase in the elected female representatives in the National Assembly. We stress the importance of practical measures to support and facilitate women’s political participation, building on the experience gained.
Mr. President,
An integral part in restoring the state presence is the fight against impunity. We need to ensure that all counter-terrorist activities are conducted with full respect of international human rights and humanitarian law. We must address all grave violations and abuses of human rights and hold all perpetrators accountable regardless of their status.
Mr. President, allow me to express Estonia’s full support to the work of MINUSMA as well as other UN agencies in Mali in supporting the Government of Mali to achieve a lasting peace in the country. We share the Secretary-General’s assessment that the eventual exit of the Mission needs careful planning and must not happen prematurely. Estonia fully supports the extension of the Security Council’s mandate.
Thank you!
