Mr. President,
I thank USG Lacroix for inviting us to join today’s meeting. I also thank Mr. El-Ghassim Wane for a comprehensive briefing on the current situation and future course of action of MINUSMA.
Mr. President,
Since the inception of MINUSMA in 2013, Bangladesh has sent participated in that mission. It is a complex mission, as we all know, but our peacekeepers have served there with courage and dedication alongside peacekeepers from other nations. 17 Bangladesh peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving in MINUSMA.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh is at present one of the leading TPCC in MINUSMA. More than 1600 peacekeepers from Bangladesh are currently deployed there in different capacities, including as military observers, staff officer, and as military and police contingent. [1]
Taking note of the difficult security environment in Mali, Bangladesh has taken measures to equip our peacekeepers with necessary capability, especially to protect them from hostile attacks. We are providing Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to guard against probable IED attacks.
We have made sufficient pledges in capability readiness system (PCRS), with helicopter unit, quick reaction force (QRF), infantry contingent etc.
Mr. President,
Let me highlight on some crucial issues for the Mission in Mali:
First: we strongly feel that the training and capacity building of the peacekeepers should be prioritized as suggested in the Secretary General’s report on MINUSMA published this month. More actions are needed to ensure the safety and security of the peacekeepers, especially with the rise in IED attacks.
Second: Hostile attacks by non-state actors is also a major concern in Mali. There should be increased investment in intelligence gathering. Equally important is to ensure that the mandates of the peacekeepers are compatible with their capacity and realities on the ground.
Third: The gender dimension as well as the implementation of the WPS agenda should be streamlined while finalizing the mandate of MINUSMA. The integration of WPS agenda may facilitate the reconciliation process.
Fourth: The Security Council resolution calls for supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the re-establishment of the State authority; the rebuilding of the security sector; and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country. Such actions need more coordinated efforts between peacekeeping and peacebuilding stakeholders.
Finally: The current situation in Mali requires more dynamic and inclusive political process coupled with development support that will facilitate in sustaining peace in Mali. In this regard, considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-economic conditions, better preparedness and recovery measures to such shocks and emergencies should be addressed with utmost priority.
I wish the renewed mandate will succeed in achieving the objectives and targets of MINUSMA more effectively.
I thank you all.
[1] [Current status of the deployment in MINUSMA from Bangladesh are: United Nations Military Observer (UNMO)-1, Military Staff Officer (MSO)- 42 (3 Female), Infantry Contingent- 874 (10 Female – Female Engagement Team), Engineer Contingent- 145, Signal Contingent-183 (7 Female), BAN Air Field Support and Management Unit – 110 (3 Female), Individual Police Officer (IPU)- 01, and 2 Formed Police Unit- 281 (63 Female). Total deployment – 1637]