Mali Strengthens Cooperation with UN Amid Rising Regional Security ChallengesBamako / New York - November 20, 2025

As part of ongoing political exchanges with the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, held a working meeting with a UN delegation led by Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, in the presence of the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Mali.

The meeting is part of Mali’s efforts to strengthen cooperation, support, and solidarity with the UN in addressing current regional and global security challenges. Minister Diop provided a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Mali, detailing the government’s actions to respond urgently and effectively across multiple fronts. Particular emphasis was placed on the fight against state-directed terrorism, which leverages political, geopolitical, military, economic, and media instruments.

Diop highlighted the transformation of Mali’s armed forces from units once heavily dependent on international aid to a force now exhibiting operational autonomy, capable of safeguarding the territory of the AES Confederation-the sole theater of operations for its Defense Forces-and preserving broader sub-regional stability.

The Minister also denounced the interlinked threats of economic terrorism and media-driven disinformation, particularly those propagated by certain foreign media outlets, noting their role in disrupting supply chains and amplifying social unrest. He praised the efforts of the Transitional Authorities in ensuring essential services and supporting a population demonstrating resilience and awareness of the crisis’s broader implications.

Discussions extended to issues of peace and reconciliation, particularly the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, which remains Mali’s primary framework for conflict resolution. Sub-regional cooperation was also addressed, including integration of the AES Confederation’s security and development dimensions into dialogue with the UN. The meeting underscored the role of UN agencies, funds, and programs in improving living conditions for Mali’s population and reinforcing collaborative mechanisms to stabilize the Sahel.

Minister Diop concluded by reaffirming Mali’s commitment to constructive engagement with the UN, promoting regional solidarity, trust-building, and sustainable solutions to ongoing security and socio-economic challenges.