United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres indicated that “At the request of the Security Council, a comprehensive review of the role of the peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is under way, emphasizing that “in light of the changes that have taken place in the country and the ongoing challenges, despite collective efforts, require new decisions.”

He noted during a meeting on the Sahel region on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly that “in the coming months I will submit proposals on this matter”, expressing concern about the “insecurity and instability” in the Sahel region. He stressed: “Let’s be clear: the security crisis in the Sahel region is a global threat.”

Guterres stressed that “if nothing is done, the consequences of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will spread far beyond the region and the African continent,” warning that “reports of grave human rights violations committed by groups of armed non-state actors, sometimes from “The security forces are very worried.”

Last June, the Security Council extended the mandate of MINUSMA for a year, until 30 June 2023, but for the first time without air support from France, which completely withdrew from Mali last August.

The resolution, which maintains the current strength of 13,289 military personnel and 1,920 police officers, also asked the Secretary-General to submit a report on the restructuring of the UN mission by next January.