Mali's foreign minister pleads solidarity with the international community

On Monday (21 June), the Malian minister of foreign affairs and international co-operation, Abdoulaye Diop, asked the international community to take full account of the specific situation of Mali, which struggles to fight the multidimensional crisis that has plagued the country since 2012.

“Our efforts must be focused on making the Transition a success. A lifting of the suspension measures and a constructive engagement with the authorities of the Transition and all Malian actors will greatly contribute to this”, Diop told the ambassadors and representatives of international organisations accredited to Mali.

Following the arrest of Mali’s transitional leaders, led by now-president Assimi Goïta on 24 May – labelled by many as a coup – the country has faced severe backlash, from its suspension from regional organisations to the threat of sanctions from the EU. In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron has since announced the end of the French Barkhane Operation, which began almost 7 years ago to tackle radicalisation in the Sahel.

According to Diop, Mali needs the international community’s solidarity to regain its stability, whereas sanctions only further weaken his country and expose the Sahel region. In this context, he pleaded for the understanding of the international community and a more realistic and pragmatic reading of the coup of 24 May 2021.

Diop reaffirmed the unwavering will of the authorities of the Transition to respect all the commitments made: namely, the organisation of credible and transparent elections at the scheduled deadlines; the intelligent and efficient implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation; the implementation of institutional reforms in order to endow the country with credible governance structures; and finally, improved security to allow the administration to return to the entire territory.

The foreign minister also referred to the last Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit held on 19 June, where a "positive development" of the situation of Mali was noted with the appointment of a civilian prime minister in accordance with the decision of the organisation's heads of state. Nonetheless, Mali's suspension from ECOWAS remains.

Diop also mentioned being “very comforted by the responses received from the diplomatic corps who indicated that they are all there with Mali, are ready to accompany Mali” and was glad they understand the difficulties the country is facing. He added that the diplomats wish that the commitments made will be respected, and that actions that go in this direction will be taken by the government.

The dean of the diplomatic corps, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, Hassan Naciri, said that the international community has never abandoned Mali.

Moreover, Bart Ouvry, ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Mali, indicated that it is very important to maintain their support for the Transition because they recognise Mali’s central place in the stabilisation of the whole Sahel and West Africa.

 

source: commonspace.eu with agencies.
photo: Abdoulaye Diop, the foreign minister of Mali (archive); xIngaxKjerx

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.