Addressing the increase in human rights violations
committed by the Malian Defence and Security Forces and the
Wagner Group
Speech by Ambassador James Kariukito the UN Security Council
I thank SRSG Wane for his briefing, and I want to echo the
condolences expressed by others regarding the recent deaths of
Egyptian and Jordanian peacekeepers in MINUSMA. We pay tribute to
their courage and sacrifice. I also welcome the vital perspective
given to us by Ms Touré on the challenges facing the Malian
people, including women, youth and children. And, I welcome the
presence of Foreign Minister Diop at this meeting.
Last time the Council met to discuss Mali, reports had just
emerged of a massacre in Moura. Hundreds of civilians killed
during a counter-terrorism operation involving Wagner Group
mercenaries. At the time, many Members urged the Malian
authorities to afford MINUSMA immediate, unhindered access to
conduct an independent investigation. More than two months have
passed and MINUSMA continues to be denied access to the area.
The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about this and many other
instances of unacceptable restrictions imposed by the Malian
authorities on MINUSMA, especially on aerial movements.
Restrictions on free movement and Status of Forces Agreement
violations hinder the Mission’s ability to deliver its mandate
and jeopardise safety and security.
MINUSMA’s latest quarterly human rights report is clear – that
the incident in Moura was not a one-off. While we continue to be
deeply concerned about the escalation of terrorist violence and
abuses against civilians, the report also documents a significant
increase in human rights violations by the Malian Defence and
Security Forces, with the involvement of so-called ‘foreign
military elements’. Members of this Council are under no
illusions – this is the Russian-backed Wagner Group.
Counter-terrorism operations must be conducted in full compliance
with international human rights standards and international
humanitarian law. Continued violations only risk fuelling the
cycle of violence. It is in Mali’s own interests to allow
professional UN investigators to operate freely.
President, the root causes of conflict and insecurity in Mali
must be addressed. An inclusive political transition is
essential. We note the recent statement from the authorities on
their preferred timeline. We strongly encourage the Malian
authorities to continue the dialogue with ECOWAS so that
agreement can be reached.
The recent visit by Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths has
highlighted again Mali’s worsening humanitarian crisis – it
continues to disproportionately affect women and girls. Increased
violence in Menaka is causing mass displacement, a spike in
humanitarian needs and severe risks to civilians. The United
Kingdom commends the vital work of humanitarian organisations,
and, following the shocking attack on two Red Cross workers on 1
June, we reiterate that aid workers must not be targeted. We call
for full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Finally, President, we support the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate
later this month. But, as we enter negotiations, the Council
needs a frank conversation about what the political, human rights
and security developments of recent months mean for the future of
the Mission. Simply maintaining the status quo is not tenable. We
therefore support the Secretary-General’s proposals for a review
to consider how best MINUSMA can continue to deliver on its
priorities. And, we look forward to working with France, and
other colleagues, on this important Mandate renewal.
