UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Wednesday asked for more resources for the UN peacekeeping force in Mali, or MINUSMA, as it adds a second strategic priority in the central region.
Over the past months, MINUSMA has done its utmost to implement its second strategic priority in the central region, while continuing to carry out tasks in support of its primary strategic priority in the north, Lacroix told the Security Council.
The mission's added focus on central Mali requires it to divert key capabilities, such as air assets, its quick reaction force and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets from Gao to Mopti, he said.
It is not feasible for the mission to implement its additional strategic priority in the center without additional resources. Attempting to do so has resulted in dangerous gaps in areas in the north, where the mission's presence is critical and urgently needed, he said.
In order to address this challenge, MINUSMA has developed a viable plan for the adaptation of its uniformed components within the authorized troops and police strength. The plan provides for the establishment of a mobile task force, which will make MINUSMA more agile, flexible and mobile with tailored units and enhanced capabilities, most importantly additional air mobility, said Lacroix.
The plan is ambitious and its success depends on the support of the Security Council and other member states, troop and police contributors, the host government and other partners. Obtaining the required capabilities is going to be challenging, he said.
"But I insist this is indispensable for MINUSMA to deliver on its mandate. It is also an integral part of efforts to further enhance the mission's performance."
He called on all partners to support the implementation of the plan and to help the UN Secretariat to mobilize the required resources and capabilities to ensure MINUSMA remains fit for purpose.
In addition, to achieve the implementation of this plan and fulfill its mandate, the mission urgently requires access to additional land in both Gao and Mopti, he said. "I urge the government of Mali to make it available as quickly as possible as per ongoing discussions."
Despite increased and sophisticated capabilities, MINUSMA can only be as effective and efficient as the parties and partners want it to be. Political will remains the most important enabler for any peacekeeping operation to be effective, he said.
Lacroix reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal to all Malian leaders to display the necessary leadership and work together to address the challenges their country is facing with the support of the international community.
