The joint mission of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group for West and Central Africa, headed by Mr. Mabingué Ngom, wrapped up a four-day visit to Mali, on 12 July 2019. The mission included regional partners such as representatives of the G5 Sahel and the Liptako-Gourma Integrated Development Authority.

The aim was of the mission was, among other things, to get a feel of the situation in Mali’s Center region, particularly in the Mopti region; and to engage the Malian Government and the United Nations System (UN System) to find sustainable solutions to the challenging situation in Mali, including cross-border and humanitarian issues. According to the head of the delegation, Mr. Mabingue Ngom, "Mali has the support of the entire United Nations system. The entire international community is behind Mali to strengthen development. "

The delegation paid a courtesy call on the President of Mali, His Excellency Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who hailed the UN’s coordination effort. "It is a beautiful image to see United Nations together," he remarked at an audience granted to the mission at the Presidency. Discussions focused on, inter alia, partnership, coordination, women's empowerment, the fight against violence, the promotion of women and youth employment, the return of peace and its consolidation.

The joint nature of the mission was also welcomed by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, His Excellency Boubou Cissé, when he met with the delegation on Friday, 12 July. The Prime Minister encouraged coordination efforts and stressed the need to align actions along Mali’s Economic Recovery and Development Policy Framework (CREED). According to the Prime Minister, "Quick and visible results are important for us, and we cannot succeed without the support of partners such as the United Nations."

The 2019-2021 development framework (CREED) was designed and agreed to during the development workshops of the new UN Sustainable Development and Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), during which the UN and the Government set objectives. and common results for the next five years.

Ms. Mbaranga Gasarabwe, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, reiterated the UN's commitment to support Mali: "We have all resolved to combine efforts to support the Government of Mali in providing humanitarian assistance, promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding and development." She also emphasized the inclusiveness of interventions that must take into account the concerns of all segments of the population, particularly women and young people.

The delegation traveled to Mopti in central Mali. Following meetings with local authorities and internally displaced persons, the mission called for a short-term emergency recovery plan, to secure the region and to promote the return of internally displaced persons. The Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Michel Sidibe accompanied the delegation to Mopti.

The Minister of Health believes that without a quick and concerted response, the situation of the population in the region may very quickly and dramatically deteriorate.

At the end of the mission, the Head of Delegation reiterated the commitment of the UN to work with the Government to accelerate the response in the center of Mali, simultaneously implementing both humanitarian and development agenda.