General Assembly: Mali leader lauds UN for helping to restore peace to war-torn north

Speaking on the opening day of the 70th annual General Debate, he detailed the peace agreement signed earlier this year and the need for international help to see it fully implemented.

“That is why I want to launch an urgent appeal to the international community, especially to the friends of Mali, with a view to mobilizing efficaciously of the technical, material and financial resources necessary for the realization of the agreement,” he said.

Since 2012, the UN has maintained a Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), currently with an authorized troop ceiling of 11,240 military personnel, including some 40 military observers to monitor and supervise the new agreement.

But despite positive developments on the ground, the situation in Mali has long remained a challenge.

The Government has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d'état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.

Keita also called for UN reform including expansion of the Security Council to include African permanent and non-permanent members.

Photo: UN Photo/Kim Haughton