UNITED NATIONS, December 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement through his spokesman on December 30, highly appreciating the contribution made by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and stressing that the United Nations will continue to work with the people of Mali and the transitional state to restore constitutional order in the country and promote peace and security, as well as sustainable development.
Guterres said that MINUSMA had completed its withdrawal by December 31, as required by Security Council resolution 2690. Over the past 10 years, MINUSMA has played a "major role" in protecting civilians, supporting the Malian peace process, providing transitional support, restoring State authority and distributing peace "dividends".
Guterres said that starting on January 1, 2024, MINUSMA will enter the "liquidation" phase. The United Nations system, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (OHSALC), will continue to support Mali in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In 2012, a coup d'état took place in Mali, and in 2013 the United Nations Security Council established MINUSMA. Over the past 10 years, MINUSMA has shouldered the most challenging peacekeeping mission of the United Nations. At the request of the Malian army**, the Security Council terminated the mandate of the Mission in June this year. A total of 311 MINUSMA personnel were killed and more than 700 injured in the pursuit of this cause of peace. (ENDS).