Russia used the UN veto on the vote on sanctions against Mali

RUSSIA used the right of veto during the voting on the draft resolution on sanctions against Mali in the UN Security Council. The meeting was broadcast on the website of the world organization.

The draft resolution was prepared by France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it was proposed to extend the already imposed sanctions for a year - until August 31, 2024. All other members of the Security Council, except for CHINA , voted "for", the Chinese side abstained from voting.

Sanctions against Mali have been in effect since 2017. They involve freezing the assets of individuals who, in the opinion of a panel of experts of the UN sanctions committee, impede the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement. Also, such persons are prohibited from entering the territories of UN member states, including transit.

Russia put to the vote at the same meeting its own draft resolution. It contains a reservation that sanctions against Mali are also introduced until August 31, 2024, but for the last term. Previously, the sanctions were renewed annually. The Russian draft resolution was also not adopted - Japan voted against it , the rest of the Security Council members abstained.

In 2012, an armed conflict erupted in Mali. The rebels, who opposed the official government, proclaimed an independent "Islamic State of Azawad". In 2013, France intervened in the conflict on the territory of its former colony: its troops carried out Operation Serval in Mali and cleared the territory of the Islamists. In 2015, the separatists concluded a peace agreement with the government of Mali, but the conflict in the country continued.

In August 2020, a military coup took place in Mali. The military arrested the president of the country and other leaders of the state. After that, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People was formed, headed by Colonel Assimi Goita. Former defense minister Ba Ndao became interim president. Goita then deposed him and became HEAD of state himself.