UN / MALI MINUSMA WITHDRAWAL

28-Aug-2023 00:03:17
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim Wane, said the process of withdrawal is “proceeding well” and “every effort is being made” to ensure that it is completed by the deadline of 31st December 2023. UNIFEED
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STORY: UN / MALI MINUSMA WITHDRAWAL
TRT: 3:17
SOURCE: UNIFEED
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 28 AUGUST 2023, NEW YORK CITY / FILE
SHOTLIST
RECENT - NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, exterior United Nations Headquarters

28 AUGUST 2023, NEW YORK CITY

2. Wide shot, briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“That process so far is proceeding well. And every effort is being made to ensure that we indeed complete this process by the deadline of 31st December 2023.”

4. Wide shot, journalists in the briefing room
5. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“This is a very complex undertaking. The mission was built over a period of 10 years, and we have to close it in six months. And Mali, as you know, it's landlocked, infrastructure is limited, and insecurity is a reality. And carrying out this task of withdrawal and draw down within the agreed timeline is not an easy undertaking, but we're determined to do everything possible to ensure that this is happening.”
6. Close up, journalist asking question
7. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“The latest development that we did not anticipate, the current situation in Niger could potentially impact some of our some of the logistical aspects of the operations. But we will be monitoring the situation and will adjust as necessary to make sure that we comply with the deadline of December 31st.”
8. Close up, journalist asking question
9. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“I just would like to stress how important the work MINUSMA did in Mali. I also would like to pay tribute to our peacekeepers, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. I think they did a good job in conditions that were extremely challenging to start with, given the prevalence of conflict, terrorism and insecurity in Mali, but I think the mission did a very good job in support of the Malian people and Malian authorities.”

10. Close up, journalist asking question
11. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“Now that the Mission is leaving, the attention will turn, of course, to the role of our colleagues from the country team. They were here before we started, they will stay after MINUSMA deploys. After MINUSMA deploys, it's important that they’re able to pursue their work as efficiently as they can in support of Mali. And in that respect, the mobilization of additional sources is of paramount importance.”
12. Wide shot, briefing room
13. SOUNDBITE (English) El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali/ Head, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA):
“As far as the gap the departure of the mission will create, it is clear that a mission of the size of MINUSMA, of course plays an important role in the field, be it in Menaka, the northern part of Mali or even central Mali. If the authorities don’t take the necessary measures, there will be gaps, hence the importance of the work we are doing with them, make sure they are fully briefed on the extent of the work we are doing and they need to do to ensure that there are no gaps.”
14. Wide shot, briefing room
STORYLINE
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and Head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim Wane, said the process of withdrawal is “proceeding well” and “every effort is being made” to ensure that it is completed by the deadline of 31st December 2023.

Speaking to journalists in New York today (28 Aug), Wane said that “this is a very complex undertaking.”

The MINUSMA chief added, “The mission was built over a period of 10 years, and we have to close it in six months. And Mali, as you know, it's landlocked, infrastructure is limited, and insecurity is a reality. And carrying out this task of withdrawal and draw down within the agreed timeline is not an easy undertaking, but we're determined to do everything possible to ensure that this is happening.”

The Special Representative also said, “The latest development that we did not anticipate, the current situation in Niger could potentially impact some of our some of the logistical aspects of the operations. But we will be monitoring the situation and will adjust as necessary to make sure that we comply with the deadline of December 31st.”

Wane also stressed how important was the work MINUSMA did in Mali and paid tribute to the peacekeepers, saying that many “made the ultimate sacrifice.”

He added, “I think they did a good job in conditions that were extremely challenging to start with, given the prevalence of conflict, terrorism and insecurity in Mali, but I think the mission did a very good job in support of the Malian people and Malian authorities.”

Now that the Mission is leaving, Wane said, “the attention will turn, of course, to the role of our colleagues from the country team.”

“They were here before we started, they will stay after MINUSMA deploys. After MINUSMA deploys, it's important that they’re able to pursue their work as efficiently as they can in support of Mali. And in that respect, the mobilization of additional sources is of paramount importance,” the Special Representative explained.

Wane concluded, “As far as the gap the departure of the mission will create, it is clear that a mission of the size of MINUSMA, of course plays an important role in the field, be it in Menaka, the northern part of Mali or even central Mali. If the authorities don’t take the necessary measures, there will be gaps, hence the importance of the work we are doing with them, make sure they are fully briefed on the extent of the work we are doing and they need to do to ensure that there are no gaps.”
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