In a high-level meeting at the United Nations, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop delivered a strong message on the importance of upholding the UN Charter. He emphasized that the current international context, marked by multiple crises and tensions, requires a renewed commitment to the Charter's principles. The Minister highlighted that nearly every region of the world is affected by these crises, including the Sahel.
Minister Diop noted that the various security crises facing the world share a common thread: they are born and progress due to the non-respect of the UN Charter. He cited repeated violations of the Charter, the threat or use of force, and the imposition of unilateral coercive measures as major obstacles to international peace and security. The Malian Foreign Minister stressed that these challenges require all UN member states to redouble their efforts to prevent the scourge of war.
The Minister emphasized the crucial role of the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter, which brings together countries committed to upholding the Charter's principles. He called for the Group to continue to voice its support for the Charter, which is the only credible guarantee of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. The Minister also highlighted the Sahel region's experience with violations of the Charter.
Minister Diop specifically mentioned the actions of certain countries that are contrary to the UN Charter, including nostalgia for colonial empires and a desire for domination. He noted that the Sahel region is a victim of these actions and that the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is engaged in a coordinated fight against terrorism. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the successes achieved by the three countries' armies.
The Minister acknowledged the valuable cooperation of Russia with Mali and the Sahel region, as well as the support of other partners. However, he emphasized that significant challenges remain, including the need for greater solidarity with the Sahel region's populations. Minister Diop condemned state sponsors of terrorism in the Sahel and the misleading narratives spread by certain imperialist countries' media outlets.
On the Middle East situation, Minister Diop reaffirmed Mali's constant support for the Palestinian cause. He also expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the Malian government to the principles and objectives of the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter. The Minister called for unity and solidarity among the Group's members to address the existential challenges of our time.
The high-level meeting on the UN Charter is part of a series of events taking place at the UN headquarters in New York. Other meetings have focused on topics such as security and development in the Sahel, with a specific session dedicated to the case of the Confederation of Sahel States. Mali's Foreign Minister has also held several bilateral meetings with counterparts and international partners.
Key points
- Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop calls for a renewed commitment to the UN Charter.
- The Sahel region faces significant security challenges.
- Mali and its partners are working together to address these challenges.
