The 81st ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly was held on September 28, with Mali represented by Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop. He spoke on behalf of Mali's Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta. Diop was accompanied by Health Minister Assa Badiallo Touré and Mali's Ambassador to the UN, Issa Konfourou. The session's theme was "Restoring trust, serving transformations: a United Nations in service of all." Diop expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his decade-long commitment to peace, development, and human rights.
In his address, Diop strongly condemned international terrorism and its foreign state sponsors, citing Ukraine's support for terrorist groups in the Sahel region. He stated that Ukraine's actions contradict its claims of defending territorial integrity, as it supports groups aiming to undermine Mali's sovereignty. Diop emphasized that the international community, particularly Africa, cannot remain silent in the face of such aggression. He argued that Ukraine's actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize African countries and undermine their emancipation from colonial rule.
Diop outlined the three main forms of terrorism affecting the Sahel region: armed attacks on civilians and security forces, economic sabotage, and media disinformation. He cited recent coordinated attacks in Mali on April 25 and July 4, 2026, as evidence of the growing threat. The Minister noted that regional and international responses, including the deployment of foreign forces, have failed to curb these complex security crises and massacres of Sahelian populations.
The creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on July 6, 2024, was presented as a proactive response to these security challenges. Diop reported that the AES has made significant progress in its areas of operation since its inception. He emphasized the need for a united and determined approach to address the root causes of terrorism and instability in the region.
Diop's address also touched on the importance of reforming the multilateral system to make it more effective in addressing global challenges. He reiterated Mali's commitment to a sovereign and inclusive approach to international relations, prioritizing the interests of its citizens. The Minister's statement was seen as a strong assertion of Mali's sovereignty and its willingness to engage in international cooperation on its own terms.
The 81st UN General Assembly session provided a platform for world leaders to address pressing global issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and human rights. Mali's participation in the session was seen as an opportunity for the country to reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation and to promote its interests on the global stage.
In conclusion, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop's address to the 81st UN General Assembly session highlighted the country's concerns about the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel region and the need for a more effective international response. His statement also underscored Mali's commitment to sovereignty and its determination to work towards a more just and equitable international order.
Key points
- Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop condemns Ukraine's support for terrorist groups in the Sahel region at the 81st UN General Assembly session.
