Security Council authorizes UN support for G5 Sahel troops

 The Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing UN peacekeepers in Mali to provide logistical and operational support to the new G5 Sahel anti-jihadist force there.

The resolution, drafted by France, was the subject of tough negotiations with the United States, which had opposed any UN involvement in the force made up of troops provided by Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

"The dialogue has been frank, constructive and I believe productive," French envoy Francois Delattre said of discussions with his American counterpart Nikki Haley.

Haley noted the "creativity" of the text, stressing that the United States is committed to supporting African countries in their fight against terrorism.

The resolution stated that "the activities of criminal organizations and terrorists in the Sahel region pose a threat to international peace and security."

The UN's mission in Mali, which has some 10,000 peacekeepers, would provide medical evacuations, fuel, water, rations, and engineering units to assist the G5 Sahel troops.

The assistance will only be available in Malian territory, and must not harm the peacekeeping mission, the resolution said.

The G5 force conducted its first operation last month in the Sahel region, which has turned into a hotbed of lawlessness since chaos engulfed Libya in 2011, Islamists took over northern Mali in 2012, and the Boko Haram group became active in northern Nigeria.

To overcome US reluctance in assisting the new African force as Washington seeks to cut its spending on UN programs, the resolution adopted Friday provides for a European Union-coordinated funding mechanism that will reimburse the UN for all expenses related to the G5 Sahel force.

French President Emmanuel Macron has complained about the sluggish deployment of the G5 Sahel and said it needed more troops and military means.

He has called an international meeting in Paris next Wednesday in an effort to address the shortfalls.

The resolution adopted Friday will help the G5 Sahel force become fully operational more quickly, Delattre said.

France has its own 4,000-strong military presence in the region, known as Barkhane.

Financing of the G5 Sahel, which Paris says would need 400 million euros ($473 million) when it is fully operational next year, is not yet assured. It is expected to be a 5000-strong force when it reaches full strength.

The death in October of four American soldiers in Niger -- ambushed by Islamic militants -- highlighted the US's own military role in the region. It has about 800 troops in Niger.

Source: AFP