Topic: 2025 – Situation in Mali
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Ella Woods
Country: Slovenia
Delegate: Ella Woods
School: East Grand Rapids High School
Committee: Security Council
Topic: Situation in Mali
The crisis in Mali has been ongoing since 2011. Since 2023, over 8.8 million people have requested assistance from the UN. Over 575,000 citizens of Mali have been forced from their homes. Historically, outside nations have played a major role in the conflict such as in 2013 when Mali requested military aid from France. This operation eventually failed in 2022 because the junta’s were unwilling to solve its growing security issues, causing France to withdraw. The United Nations have similarly been involved, with the creation of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). This provided military assistance to Mali as well as police forces and civilian support with the goal of stabilizing the country. MINUSMA actions were controversial and eventually failed due to alleged abuse and political influence. Slovenia believes that outside nations should support Mali by providing military training and help reform their security center. However, strict conditions must be attached to all aid, in order to ensure accountability and human rights compliance.
In 2023, the United Nations Security Council withdrew the UN peacekeeping mission to Mali, called the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Resolution 2100 was adopted in 2013 and was created to help Mali keep national sovereignty and continue fighting jihadist groups. With the power that the UN Security Council has, we can provide support to military efforts through western and European powers. Aid would be successful if Mali doesn’t cut off cooperation or attempt to work with other nations, like Russia, or extremist groups, such as Wagner. Outside of military action, the UN can provide diplomatic support to Mali. It is vital that we replace MINUSMA and allow UN sanctions for peacekeeping operations.
Slovenia urges the UN Security Council to avoid granting full political legitimation to organizations that are internationally deemed terrorists. Providing assistance to Mali instead of allowing them to work with mercenary groups, like Wagner, would be beneficial for several reasons. These groups are known to violate international laws and threaten civilians. As the UNSC’s primary concern is the safety of civilians it is crucial we avoid allowing Wagner to continue operating in Mali. Additionally, involvement with Wagner has forced Mali to use already limited funds to pay foreign mercenaries instead of supporting their own security sector.
To “rebuild the security sector”, as resolution 2100 puts it means to provide military training, logistics, and ensuring equitability. Slovenia believes that solving the crisis in Mali will ultimately come down to allowing their country to rebuild their own government. Rebuilding the Mali security sector will allow them to sever ties with mercenary groups, such as Wagner. Slovenia supports local ceasefires that protect civilians and allow aid to be received. International actions can offer as much military aid and support, but the government of Mali will need to play a major role in reform.
https://hir.harvard.edu/how-france-failed-mali-the-end-of-operation-barkhane
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/mali
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_res_2100.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africasource/mali-has-not-just-plunged-into-crisis-it-has-been-unraveling-for-years/
https://press.un.org/en/2022/sc14762.doc.htm
