Topic: 2025 – Situation in Mali
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Amyah Kantz
A rise in terrorism, violence, and conflict is crippling Mali, a country that once fought for democracy, gaining independence on September 22, 1960. From 1992 to 2012, Mali showed progress, with significant promise for development. However, the major political challenges and heightened vulnerability allowed expansion of terrorist organizations, leading to severe instability. After the end of the Amadou Tounmani Touré regime, the National Movement for Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) lost control and jihadist groups dominated the region. Regardless of the efforts of international involvement, Mali faced catastrophic divides, leaving millions at risk. Then, in March 2017, four terrorist organizations consolidated: Ansar al-Din, al-Murabitun, the Macina Liberation Front (MLF), and the Sahara Emirate subgroup of al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Agreements and initiatives were withdrawn, and now, the world is seeing one of the largest humanitarian crises, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting that 6.4 million people require humanitarian assistance, particularly in northern and central Mali. Al-Qaeda linked militants like the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have created a moment of profound urgency, which is why the Republic of Korea encourages this council to discuss decisive solutions.
In 2013, the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) by Resolution 2100. This was intended to address challenges to democracy and protect political processes that were underway. Unfortunately, the UN saw an end to this through Resolution 2690 in June 2023, following a request from the Malian transitional authorities. Since then, this Council has worked diligently to monitor the humanitarian needs and political process of Mali, though the Republic of Korea acknowledges that UNSC has not achieved success yet. While other regional bodies have attempted to bring peace and stability, effective enforcement is lacking, and settling the issue has been a distant goal. The Republic of Korea does not have a substantial association with Mali, but the importance of the crisis is clear.
The Republic of Korea strongly advocates for unity and humanitarian assistance. Maintaining neutrality will be highly beneficial, and it is imperative that members of the United Nations Security Council remain impartial. The involvement of certain countries has exacerbated political struggles, and geopolitics are clouding solutions. Mali is incredibly fragile, and the Republic of Korea believes that humanitarian response and aid must come first. Currently, the Republic of Korea has a travel ban on Mali and advises other countries to consider the threat that conflicts have on regional and international safety. The Republic of Korea urgently calls upon other countries to negotiate a plan to support the peoples of Mali, and to consider a new mandate similar to that of MINUSMA. Deterring Council members from acting in unilateral interests will allow for more productive negotiation, removing external tensions or pressures from this Council. The Republic of Korea wishes to see a swift and cooperative resolution and hopes to find a peaceful transition for Mali.
Works Cited
“Foreign Affairs Forum.” Foreign Affairs Forum , 11 Nov. 2025, www.faf.ae/home/2025/11/11/malis-humanitarian-crisis-historical-origins-contemporary-catastrophe-and-pathways-to-peace. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
“Mali.” OCHA, 30 Jan. 2018, www.unocha.org/mali.
