Mali has received a $10 million grant from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). This financial support, announced on the sidelines of the 79th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, is part of a global effort to strengthen stability in conflict-affected regions.
For several years, Mali has faced extremely precarious security situation, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country.
Terrorist attacks, growing insecurity, and inter communal tensions have destabilized many communities.
Since 2014, the Peacebuilding Fund has intervened significantly to support the Government of Mali’s efforts through projects aimed at restoring stability and promoting the recovery of vulnerable communities.
Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, emphasized in his speech at the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial Meeting on September 26 that this PBF support was important to strengthen national reconciliation and social cohesion, and to support Mali’s efforts to fight impunity and promote justice.
“Mali appreciates the support of the Peacebuilding Fund, especially in the key areas of conflict prevention, capacity building for youth and women and the fight against impunity,” he said.
Diop also stressed the need to reform the global peace architecture and reiterated Mali’s support for the legitimate demand of the African continent for the reform of the UN Security Council.
According to the minister, this reform must respond to the major changes that have taken place in the world since 1945 and make the institution more democratic and legitimate.
He also underscored the need for the international community to remain vigilant in the Sahel in order to put an end to the interference that fuels terrorism.
Established in 2006, the Peacebuilding Fund is one of the United Nations’ main mechanisms for preventing conflict and promoting peace in countries in crisis.
Since its inception, it has financed hundreds of projects in more than 60 countries.
Mali, which has benefited from PBF support since 2014, has seen this commitment renewed with this new allocation of $10 million for the period 2024-2025.
This new allocation will fund initiatives aimed at consolidating peace through programmes focused on reconciliation, justice, and support for affected communities. In particular, the funds will be used to strengthen local capacities to prevent and manage conflict with a special focus on the empowerment of women and young people, essential elements for long-term stabilization.
In addition to Mali, four other countries have been selected to benefit from this exceptional envelope. Central African Republic, Colombia, Liberia and Yemen.
What these countries have in common is that they are experiencing or are emerging from protracted periods of armed conflict and internal tension. This financial support represents a valuable opportunity for these nations to continue their efforts toward peace, reconstruction and national reconciliation.
At the ministerial meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Malian minister thanked the United Nations for its multifaceted support for stabilization efforts. In particular, he welcomed the decision of the UN General Assembly to earmark part of the regular budget for the financing of the PBF.
In his view, this ensures the predictability of resources available to support countries like Mali in their peace efforts.
Diop reiterated Mali’s commitment to continue its efforts for peace and security, while calling for greater international mobilization to support Sahel countries in their fight against interference and terrorism.
MD/ac/sf/lb/GIK/APA