Source description last updated: 21 June 2024: The UN Security Council has terminated MINUSMA's Mandate as of 30 June 2023 with the objective to complete the termination process until the end of 2023 (UN Security Council, 30 June 2023, accessed 21 June 2024). 

Rest of this source description is as of 21 December 2022.

In brief: The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is a United Nations peacekeeping mission operating in Mali. The Mission’s headquarters are in Bamako.

Coverage on ecoi.net:

Periodical Human Rights Notes; other relevant reports

Covered monthly on ecoi.net, for Mali.

Mission/Mandate/Objectives:

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established in April 2013 by UN Security Council resolution 2100 to support political processes in Mali and carry out certain security-related tasks. The Mission was assigned to support the Malian transitional authorities in stabilising the country and implementing the transitional roadmap.

UN Security Council resolution 2164, adopted in 25 June 2014, mandated the Mission to focus on duties that included the following: “ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country.” (MINUSMA website: About MINUSMA, undated)

Funding:

MINUSMA is funded through its own UN account approved on an annual basis by the UN General Assembly. The budget approved for the one-year-period from July 2021 to June 2022 amounted to 1,262,194,200 US dollars. (UN Peacekeeping website: MINUSMA Fact Sheet, undated)

Scope of reporting:

Geographic focus: Mali

Thematic focus: security issues (e.g., activities of extremist groups; security operations by government forces); human rights issues (e.g., violence committed against civilians by conflict parties; violations of freedom of expression)

Methodology:

MINUSMA states that it collects information for its reports based on strict adherence to the principles and methodologies of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Interviews are conducted in a confidential manner in the interviewee’s chosen language after obtaining his or her expressed consent. The veracity of interviewees’ testimonies is examined against other sources. As for the standard of proof adopted by MINUSMA, its conclusions are made on the basis of the concept that there must be “reasonable grounds to believe” that a certain event has occurred. (see, for example, MINUSMA: Note trimestrielle des tendances des violations et atteintes aux droits de l’homme et du droit international humanitaire au Mali; 1er juillet - 30 septembre 2022, 1 November 2022, pp. 2-3; MINUSMA: Note trimestrielle des tendances des violations et atteintes aux droits de l’homme au Mali; 1 er avril - 30 juin 2022, 1 August 2022, pp. 3-4)

Languages of publication:

French and English

Further reading / links:

International Crisis Group: MINUSMA at a Crossroads, 1 December 2022
https://www.crisisgroup.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/minusma-crossroads-01xii22.pdf

Methodological note:

ecoi.net's source descriptions contain background information on an organisation’s mission & objective, funding and reporting methodology, as well as on how we cover the source. The descriptions were prepared after researching publicly accessible information within time constraints. Most information contained in a source description was taken from the source itself. The aim is to provide a brief introduction to the sources covered regularly, offering information on relevant aspects in one place in a systematic manner. 

All links accessed 21 December 2022, unless otherwise noted.