This morning Burkinabe peacekeepers are getting ready for their daily tasks protecting civilians and United Nations personnel, installations and equipment in Timbuktu, north of Mali.

The Secretary-General is following with concern developments in Mali and the violent clashes sparked by the holding of demonstrations by opposition parties today in Bamako.

In the vast country of Mali is crucial for MINUSMA to assure air transport capacity as part of the implementation of the mandate.  Since November 2017, the Swedish Contingent Tactical Aircraft Detachment (SWETAD C-130) has provided this vital capability to the mission.