The 81st ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly took place on September 28, with Mali represented by Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop. He spoke on behalf of Mali's Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta. Diop condemned Ukrainian support for terrorist groups in the Sahel region and international terrorism. He expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his decade-long commitment to peace, development, and human rights.
Diop was accompanied by Health and Social Development Minister Assa Badiallo Touré and Mali's Ambassador to the UN, Issa Konfourou. He welcomed the session's theme: "Restoring trust, driving transformations: a United Nations in service of all." Diop firmly condemned international terrorism and its foreign state sponsors, citing Ukraine's support for Sahel terrorist groups since 2024. He accused Ukraine of interfering in African affairs.
According to Diop, terrorism manifests in three forms: armed attacks on civilians and security forces; economic sabotage; and media disinformation. He cited recent attacks on April 25 and July 4, 2026, in multiple Malian localities, resulting in numerous casualties. These attacks demonstrate a dangerous connection between terrorist groups that must be acknowledged.
Diop recalled the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) on July 6, 2024, in Niamey, Niger, by the presidents of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He reported that AES has made real and encouraging progress in its areas of action. The minister expressed concern that the international community has not done enough to address Sahel security crises.
Diop lamented that Ukraine's actions contradict its claims to defend territorial integrity. He argued that the international community, particularly Africa, cannot remain silent in the face of Ukrainian aggression, which has severe consequences for African countries.
The minister emphasized that Mali and its allies are not deceived by Ukraine's actions, which aim to undermine their emancipation from colonial tutelage. He called for greater awareness of the connections between terrorist groups and their external supporters.
The Malian delegation's participation in the UN General Assembly reflects the country's commitment to addressing global security challenges. The session provided a platform for Mali to voice its concerns and advocate for a more effective international response to terrorism.
Key points
- Ukrainian support for terrorist groups in the Sahel region was strongly condemned by Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop at the 81st UN General Assembly.
- The Confederation of Sahel States has made progress in addressing regional security challenges.
- Mali's government condemns international terrorism and its foreign state sponsors.
