UN peacekeeping mission in Mali continues to work despite COVID-19: envoy

Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said Tuesday that the mission has continued its work despite COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, Mali has reported 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including two in MINUSMA, and five deaths, said Mahamat Saleh Annadif.

The situation has led MINUSMA and the UN Country Team in Mali to develop a contingency plan, which allows staff members to continue to work from home in Mali, and some others, for special reasons and on a voluntary basis, to return to their countries of usual residence while working remotely, he told the Security Council via video teleconference (VTC).

Despite these exceptional conditions, MINUSMA continues to fulfill the mandate given by the Security Council, namely the implementation of the peace agreement in Mali, and support the political framework for the management of the crisis in the center region, notably the protection of civilians, the reduction of inter-community violence, the strengthening of the presence of the state and the return of basic social services, said Annadif.

The redeployment of the first reconstituted units of the Malian Defense and Security Forces in the north has become a reality with more than 1,000 elements deployed since February 2020.

The Agreement Monitoring Committee has resumed its activities. The High-Level Workshop on the Inclusion of Women was held and enjoyed strong participation. The first round of the legislative elections was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, he said.

The Malian prime minister's visit to the northern regions is a demonstration of trust-building among the signatory parties to the peace agreement, said Annadif.

With regard to the center region, as a second strategic priority of the United Nations, MINUSMA continues to implement its adaptation plan, by redeploying 19 additional civilian staff to Mopti and by setting up a hotline in Mopti to serve the civilian population, he said.

With the support of MINUSMA, the Malian authorities have continued conducting dialogue and reconciliation initiatives in the region.

In terms of regional security cooperation, MINUSMA continues to provide logistical support to the Group of 5 Sahel Joint Force. The construction work on the Joint Force headquarters in Bamako has started, he said.

Annadif showcased what he called "exemplary cooperation" between the UN system in Mali and the Malian government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since March 19, commercial flights to Mali have been suspended, group gatherings are prohibited, and a curfew has been introduced from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., he said.

However, MINUSMA and the Country Team continue to fulfill their mandates, while complying with government decisions, he said.

By the decision of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the rotation of uniformed contingents is suspended until June 30. However, exceptions may be envisaged for the implementation of the mandate, with authorizations on a case-by-case basis and respecting isolation periods and other guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.

Staff with medical conditions or wishing to join their families have been given the opportunity to do so using special flights requested by some embassies and authorized by the Malian government, he said.

Tuesday's meeting on Mali is the Security Council's first open VTC since the council had to modify its working methods in mid-March due to the pandemic.

In Tuesday's open VTC, however, only Annadif's statement was webcast.