Military intervention in Mali

Yet another military intervention!

UN Council asks W. Africa for Mali military plan

The UN Security Council approved a resolution Friday that presses West African nations to speed up preparations for an international military intervention aimed at reconquering northern Mali.

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13 October, 2012

The text unanimously approved by the council also urges authorities in Bamako and representatives of "Malian rebel groups" controlling the north to "engage, as soon as possible, in a credible negotiation process."

The council members warned that the process should be undertaken with a view toward "a sustainable political solution, mindful of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali."

In March, military putschists seized power in the capital Bamako, ousting President Amadou Toumani Toure, only to see the north and east fall to Tuareg rebels and militias linked to Al-Qaeda.

"There is a feeling that it is a dire situation in northern Mali and we need prompt action," said Guatemala's envoy to the United Nations, Gert Rosenthal, who holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

"But it is a very complex operation... this will be the first step towards something more robust, I hope."

The council asked UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union in order to submit to the council within 45 days "detailed and actionable recommendations" in preparation for the deployment of an international military force in Mali.

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