The United Nations Security Council has voted for a resolution to extend peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, until June 30 and to beef up its presence in the country amid escalating violence, reported Africa News.
“Resolution 2480 also addresses the degrading situation in the center of Mali,” said Francois Delattre, France’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations. “It calls upon the Malian authorities to immediately develop a comprehensive strategy to end the violence there and ensure the return of the State. It encourages MINUSMA to strengthen its actions in this zone, which is now elevated to the second strategic category.”
The ethnic clashes between ethnic Dogon and Fulani communities have already led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians.
The Council also made an appeal to the UN peacekeeping force in Mali to strengthen its actions in the zone, which has now been elevated to the second strategic category.
“Without questioning the priority of supporting the implementation of the Peace Agreement in the North, it [resolution] asks the mission to ensure that sufficient resources are devoted to its mandate in the Center, building on the efforts already made in recent months, notably through the development of an emergency plan for the Mopti region and the creation of a dedicated sector”, Delattre added.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is reportedly considering adding five Mali nationals to the sanctions blacklist including two businessmen accused of drug trafficking and of blocking aid projects. The request was put forward by France. The five individuals, who would be hit with a global travel ban and assets freeze for obstructing peace efforts in Mali, are Houka Houka Ag AlHousseni, Mahri Sidi Amar Ben Daha, Mohamed Ould Mataly, Mohamed Ben Ahmed Mahri, and Ahmed Ag Albachar.
The Council members have until Tuesday to raise objections to the sanction request.
