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U.N. briefing: resolution adopted in December 2023 but implementation faces delays; convoys and power lines under attack in Mali
Summary
Mister Somal told reporters that a U.N. council resolution adopted in December 2023 faces implementation problems because member states have not agreed where to start the process and how to match financing; he also said attacks on convoys and newly reported strikes on power lines are worsening security in Mali.
Mister Somal, who briefed the council on West Africa, said security gains across the region coexist with rising, more sophisticated transnational terrorist threats and that stronger regional cooperation and international support are essential to protect civilians.
"No country can address it alone," Mister Somal said, stressing that stability depends not only on security measures but on "accountable governance, respect for human rights, economic opportunity, and ensuring that people see tangible benefits from the presence of the state." He described the region as resilient but in need of sustained investment to build lasting peace.
During a post-briefing exchange with reporters, Gabriel Esanda of Al Jazeera asked about the implementation of a council resolution the transcript refers to as "27 19 something," which Mister Somal confirmed was adopted in December 2023. "The resolution was adopted in December, 2023 by the council, but, its implementation, is facing some difficulties," he said, citing two main obstacles: disagreement among member states over which country should be prioritized to start the process, and the need to define the African Union's role in mobilizing regional contributions.
Mister Somal explained that, as described in the briefing, part of the intended financing model anticipates roughly 20–25% of required contributions coming from African states to match about 75% from the broader international community, and that agreeing on the lead country and on how the African Union will collect and account for its share are prerequisites to moving forward.
Reporters also asked about Mali, where reporters said key supply routes to the capital, Bamako, have been partially blocked. Mister Somal said attacks are occurring on roads beyond those leading to Bamako and that most attacks have targeted convoys. He said measures under consideration include mechanisms to protect convoys and a regional initiative spearheaded by Ghana to encourage two or three countries to collaborate on convoy protection.
He warned of a worrying new development: armed groups have begun attacking power lines, cutting electricity supplies. "They even went further... attacking also power lines also, which is a new development," he said, noting that the disruptions compound the humanitarian and security challenges.
No formal council vote or new commitment was announced during the exchange. Mister Somal emphasized that member states and regional organizations need to sign on to a clear plan of action and financing before the resolution's implementation can proceed.
The briefing closed after brief additional exchanges with reporters.
