Antonio Guterres, the U.N. Secretary-General, called on Mali and 'bilateral partners' to respect international provisions when fighting against jihadists plaguing the Sahel states. He also addressed the U.N. Security Council, noting that the operations in Mali so far have been lamentable for civilians.
"I emphasize the duty of the State to do everything in its power to promote accountability and ensure that its military operations, including those carried out with its bilateral partners, are carried out following its international obligations," the U.N. chief said.
Guterres is likely referring to a group of Russian mercenaries by using the phrase' bilateral partners'. He pointed out that operations carried out by international military forces often overshadow jihadists' brutality. Groups aiming to fight terrorism in Sahel lands are suspected of human rights violations. One example is the death of 20 civilians in a bombing by the army in June last year.
The government of Mali denies reports that it collaborated with Russian mercenaries. Allegedly, their presence only served to train the Malian army to use the two helicopters provided.
Tagi: Sahel, Mali, Russia
Categories: Sahel, Politics, United Nations
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