               United Nations                                                                    S/RES/2423 (2018)
               Security Council                                                Distr.: General
                                                                               28 June 2018




               Resolution 2423 (2018)
               Adopted by the Security Council at its 8298th meeting, on
               28 June 2018

                    The Security Council,
                    Recalling its previous resolutions, in particular 2391 (2017), 2374 (2017), 2364
               (2017) and 2100 (2013), and its press statements of 23 May 2018, 15 April 2018 and
               24 January 2018,
                      Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial
               integrity of Mali, emphasizing that the Malian authorities have primary responsibility
               for the provision of stability, security and protection of civilians throughout the
               territory of Mali,
                     Reaffirming the basic principles of peacekeeping, including consent of the
               parties, impartiality, and non-use of force, except in self-defence and defence of the
               mandate, and recognizing that the mandate of each peacekeeping mission is specific
               to the need and situation of the country concerned, and recalling its Presidential
               Statement of 14 May 2018 (S/PRST/2018/10),
                     Recognizing that the full, effective and inclusive implementation of the
               Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali (“the Agreement”) signed in 2015 by
               the Government of Mali, the Plateforme coalition of armed groups, and the
               Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad coalition of armed groups (“the
               Plateforme and Coordination armed groups”), constitutes a historic opportunity to
               achieve lasting peace and security in Mali,
                   Stressing that all parties to the Agreement share the primary responsibility to
               make steadfast progress in its implementation,
                     Taking note of the renewed commitment of the Government of Mali and the
               Plateforme and Coordination armed groups to the expeditious implementation of all
               of their remaining obligations under the Agreement, through the adoption of a
               “Chronogramme d’actions prioritaires” during the meeting of the Comité de Suivi de
               l’Accord (CSA) held in Bamako on the 15 and 16 January 2018, followed by the
               adoption of a Roadmap for its implementation on 22 March 2018 (“the Roadmap”),
                    Welcoming the mobilization of the Prime Minister in support to the
               implementation of the Agreement, as well as his recent visit to the Northern regions
               of Mali,




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                     Expressing deep concern over the persistent delays for its full implementation
               three years after it was concluded, and stressing the pressing need to deliver tangible
               and visible peace dividends to the population in the North and other parts of Mali in
               order to preserve the relevance of the Agreement as well as to prevent the gains
               achieved from being potentially reversed,
                     Noting that the slow progress in the implementation of the Agreement,
               particularly its defence and security provisions, as well as the delayed reform of the
               security sector, have hampered efforts to restore security in the North of Mali, and
               stressing that acceleration of the implementation of the Agreement would contribute
               to enhancing State’s presence and to improving the security situation across Mali and
               to forestalling attempts by terrorist groups to derail the implementation of the
               Agreement,
                    Affirming its intention to continue to facilitate, support and follow closely the
               implementation of the Agreement,
                     Welcoming the appointment of the Carter Center as the Independent Observer
               referred to in the Agreement, recalling that the mandate of the Independent Observer,
               as defined by the Agreement, is to objectively evaluate progress towards
               implementation of the Agreement, including through the release every 4 months of a
               comprehensive report on the implementation of the commitments undertaken in the
               Agreement, identifying any impediments, determining responsibility and
               recommending the steps to be taken, and calling upon all parties to fully cooperate
               with the Carter Center in order to facilitate the implementation of its mandate as
               Independent Observer,
                     Underlining that engaging in hostilities in violation of the Agreement as well as
               actions taken that obstruct, or that obstruct by prolonged delay, or that threaten the
               implementation of the Agreement constitute a basis for sanctions designations
               pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017), among other designation criteria, and calling
               upon all actors to cooperate fully with the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of
               Experts established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017),
                    Taking note of the announced holding of presidential and legislative elections in
               2018, as well as regional, district and municipal elections in 2019,
                     Expressing deep concern about the continued deterioration of the security
               situation in Mali, especially the expansion of terrorist and other criminal activities
               into the Central and Southern regions as well as the intensification of intercommunal
               violence in the Centre,
                     Strongly condemning the continued attacks, including terrorist attacks, against
               civilians, representatives from local, regional and State institutions, as well as
               national, international and UN security forces, including the Malian Defence and
               Security Forces (MDSF), United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization
               Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the French forces and the European Union Training
               Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali),
                     Strongly condemning the activities in Mali and in the Sahel region of terrorist
               organizations, including MUJAO, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM),
               Al Mourabitoune, Ansar Eddine, and associated individuals and groups such as
               Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims)
               and Islamic State in Greater Sahara and Ansaroul Islam, which continue to operate in
               Mali and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region and beyond, human
               rights abuses and violations, and violence against civilians, notably women and
               children, committed in Mali and in the region by terrorist groups,



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                 Emphasizing that security and stability in Mali are inextricably linked to that of
           the Sahel and West Africa, as well as to that of Libya and North Africa, and expressing
           its deep concern regarding the transnational threat posed by terrorism and organized
           crime (including trafficking in persons, arms, drugs and natural resources, and the
           smuggling of migrants) in the Sahel region,
                Recognizing that MINUSMA and the Force conjointe du G5 Sahel (FC-G5S)
           have the potential to be mutually beneficial instruments to restore peace and stability
           in Mali and in the Sahel region, and underlining that they have the potential to
           constitute a positive interaction between a United Nations peacekeeping operation
           and an African operation,
                Welcoming the continued action by the French forces, at the request and in
           support of the Malian authorities, to deter the terrorist threat in the North of Mali,
                 Commending the role of EUTM Mali in providing training and advice in Mali
           for the MDSF and the FC-G5S, including by contributing to the strengthening of
           civilian authority and respect for human rights, and further commending the role of
           the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) in
           providing strategic advice and training for the Police, Gendarmerie and Garde
           nationale in Mali,
                 Strongly condemning all violations and abuses of international human rights law
           and violations of international humanitarian law, including those involving
           extrajudicial and summary executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions and i lltreatment of prisoners, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as killing, maiming,
           recruitment and use of children, attacks against schools and hospitals, calling on all
           parties to respect the civilian character of schools in accordance with interna tional
           humanitarian law and to cease detention of all children on national security charges
           in violation of applicable international law, and further calling upon all parties to
           bring an end to such violations and abuses and to comply with their obligation s under
           applicable international law,
                 Reiterating, in this regard, that all perpetrators of such acts must be held
           accountable and that some of such acts referred to in the paragraph above may amount
           to crimes under the Rome Statute, taking note that, acting upon the referral of the
           transitional authorities of Mali dated 13 July 2012, the Prosecutor of the International
           Criminal Court (ICC) opened, on 16 January 2013, an investigation into alleged
           crimes committed on the territory of Mali since January 2012, recalling the
           importance of assistance and cooperation, by all parties concerned, with the ICC, in
           matters that are within its jurisdiction, and welcoming in this regard the recent transfer
           of Al-Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud to the custod y of the ICC,
                 Recognizing the essential contribution of the transitional justice mechanisms
           referred to in the Agreement to the promotion of a durable peace in Mali and
           accountability for human rights abuses and violations, noting the gradual progress
           achieved in the operationalization of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation
           Commission, stressing the need for the Government to extend its mandate beyond
           December 2018, welcoming the establishment of the International Commission of
           Inquiry, in accordance with the Agreement, and encouraging its operationalization,
                 Taking positive note of Mali’s second National Action Plan for the
           implementation of the Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), as well as of Mali’s
           legislation requiring a 30 per cent quota for women in national institutions, and
           encouraging their full and swift implementation,
                 Welcoming the signing of an action plan to end and prevent recruitment and use
           of children and sexual violence against children by the Coordination armed group and
           the United Nations in March 2017, calling for its full and immediate implementation,

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               and encouraging the immediate development and implementation of an action plan
               by the Plateforme armed groups and the United Nations to prevent the unlawful
               recruitment and use of children and sexual violence against children,
                     Emphasizing the need for all parties to uphold and respect the humanitarian
               principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in order to ensure
               the continued provision of humanitarian assistance, the safety and protection of
               civilians receiving assistance and the security of humanitarian personnel operating in
               Mali, and stressing the importance of humanitarian assistance being delivered on the
               basis of need,
                     Remaining seriously concerned over the significant ongoing food and
               humanitarian crisis in Mali, and over the insecurity which hinders humanitarian
               access, exacerbated by the presence of armed groups, terrorist and criminal networks,
               and their activities, the presence of landmines, improvised explosive devices and
               explosive remnants of war, as well as the continued illicit proliferation of weapons
               from within and outside the region that threatens the peace, security, and stability of
               States in this region, condemning attacks against humanitarian personnel, and calling
               on Member States and international and regional organizations to respond swiftly to
               the humanitarian appeal through increased contributions and to ensure that all pledges
               are honoured in a full and timely manner,
                    Recognizing the adverse effects of climate change, ecological changes and
               natural disasters, among other factors, on the stability of Mali, including through
               drought, desertification, land degradation and food insecurity, and emphasizing the
               need for adequate risk assessment and risk management strategies by the government
               of Mali and the United Nations relating to these factors,
                     Commending troop- and police- contributing countries of MINUSMA for their
               contribution, paying tribute to the peacekeepers who risk, as well as lost, their lives
               in this respect, strongly condemning attacks against peacekeepers, underlining that
               these attacks may constitute war crimes under international law, stressing that those
               responsible for these acts should be held accountable, calling on the Government of
               Mali to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice and further stressing
               the importance of MINUSMA having the necessary capacities to promote the safety
               and security of the United Nations peacekeepers,
                     Reiterating its serious concern at the continuing lack of key capabilities for
               MINUSMA, stressing the need to fill gaps in, in particular in the field of military
               helicopters and mine protected vehicles, and to strengthen MINUSMA ’s capabilities
               to enable it to implement its mandate in a complex security environment that includes
               asymmetric threats, and emphasizing the utmost importance of improving logistics
               support to ensure the security and safety of MINUSMA’s personnel in that regard,
                     Welcoming the significant progress made in the deployment of a combat convoy
               battalion and of a quick reaction force, further welcoming the recent pledges
               announced to fill in troops and capacity gaps, and urging Member States who
               expressed pledges to fully deploy these units within the announced time frame,
                     Recalling that it is important that all MINUSMA contingents are properly
               trained and effectively equipped, including with adequate language skills, staffed and
               supported to be able to sustain their commitment to carry out their respective tasks,
                    Recalling resolution 2378 (2017), which requests the Secretary-General to
               ensure that data related to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, including
               peacekeeping performance data, is used to improve analytics and evaluation of
               mission operations, based on clear and well identified benchmarks,



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                Noting the publication of the report on “Improving Security of United Nations
           Peacekeepers”, which highlights the link between the safety and security of
           peacekeepers and the performance of troops, and recognizing that fatalities can be a
           consequence of deficiencies in training, equipment and performance,
                Welcoming the initiative of the Secretary-General to conduct Special
           Investigations into performance issues, and encouraging the Secretary-General to
           report on the findings of such investigations and efforts to take collective action to
           improve peacekeeping operations,
                 Reiterating its strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and Head of MINUSMA (“the SRSG”), and for MINUSMA to assist,
           as mandated, the Malian authorities and the Malian people in their efforts to bring
           lasting peace and stability to their country,
                Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/541), which builds
           on the findings and recommendations of the independent strategic review of
           MINUSMA conducted in the first half of 2018,
                 Determining that the situation in Mali continues to constitute a threat to
           international peace and security,
                Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

           Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali
                 1.    Welcomes the recent positive steps achieved in the implementation of the
           Agreement ahead of the electoral cycles due to take place in Mali in 2018, through
           the establishment of the regions of Taoudénit and Ménaka, progress in the
           operationalization of Operational Coordination Mechanisms in Gao, Kidal and
           Timbuktu, progress in the cantonment and disarmament, demobilization and
           reintegration processes through the pre-registration of combatants, as well as the
           holding of a high-level workshop on security sector reform, with a particular
           emphasis on the concepts of reconstituted armed and security forces and of territorial
           police force;
                 2.    Expresses its deep frustration that parties have too long stalled the
           implementation of the Agreement, in spite of significant international support and
           assistance, expresses a significant sense of impatience with parties over the persistent
           delays in the full implementation of key provisions of the Agreement and stresses the
           absolute urgency for the Government of Mali and the Platefo rme and Coordination
           armed groups to take unprecedented steps to fully and expeditiously deliver on
           remaining obligations under the Agreement;
                3.   Expresses its intention to follow closely the timely implementation of the
           Roadmap referred to above and to respond with measures pursuant to resolution 2374
           (2017) should the parties not implement the agreed-upon commitments within the
           announced time frame;
                4.    Urges the Government of Mali and the Plateforme and Coordination armed
           groups to take immediate and concrete action to implement key provisions of the
           Agreement referenced in the Roadmap, through:
              – the holding of the presidential elections in a peaceful environment, with the
                support of the signatory armed groups,
              – progress in the decentralization process, including through the adoption,
                following adequate consultations, of a decree setting out arrangements for the
                transfer of decentralized State services to local authorities in their areas of



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                     competence, as well as through the adoption, following adequate consultations,
                     of legislation establishing a regional territorial police force,
                    – the operationalization of the interim administrations in the North of Mali,
                      including through the allocation of the necessary human, technical and financial
                      resources to perform their missions,
                    – progress in the cantonment and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
                      (DDR) processes, as well as in an inclusive and consensual security sector
                      reform, with a view to the progressive redeployment of the reconstituted and
                      reformed defence and security forces in Mali, through the registration of all
                      combatants eligible to the DDR process by the end of 2018, the effective launch
                      of an accelerated cantonment, the completed integration of at least 1000
                      members of the signatory armed groups in the MDSF, and the start of the
                      socioeconomic reintegration of unintegrated members of the signatory armed
                      groups with the support of international partners, including the World Bank,
                    – the full operationalization of mixed units of the Operational Coordination
                      Mechanism in Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu,
                    – progress towards the socioeconomic development of the North of Mali, through
                      the adoption of legislation establishing the Northern Develop ment Zone,
                      following the holding of a high-level workshop addressing all related issues,
                    – ensuring equal and meaningful participation of women, including through
                      greater representation of women in the mechanisms established by the
                      Agreement to support and monitor its implementation, including the interim
                      authorities;
                     5.    Requests the Secretary-General to take appropriate steps to allow for the
               swift conclusion of a “Pact for Peace” between the Government of Mali and the
               United Nations, with the support of the members of the international mediation, in
               the wake of the upcoming presidential elections, as recommended in his report
               referred to above, with the overall objectives to accelerate the implementation of the
               Agreement, contribute to the stabilization of Mali and strengthen the coherence of
               international efforts in Mali, with the support of MINUSMA, on the basis of mutual
               commitments by all actors involved, encourages that this pact relies on agreed-upon
               benchmarks related to governance, rule of law and implementation of the Agreement,
               and specifically to its key provisions, including progress in the decentralization
               process, inclusive and consensual reform of the security sector, national reconciliation
               measures and socioeconomic development, and further requests that the Secretary-General provides regular updates to the Security Council on the preparation of this
               “Pact for Peace”;
                     6.    Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council, 6 months
               after the presidential inauguration, on progress achieved in the implementation of the
               measures referenced in paragraph 4 above and of the benchmarks developed in the
               framework of the “Pact for Peace”, expresses its intent to examine progress achieved
               in the implementation of the Agreement on the basis of the report of the Secretary-General, and further expresses its intent, in the absence of significant progress in the
               implementation of the measures and benchmarks referenced above, to request the
               Secretary-General to provide options for potential significant adaptation of
               MINUSMA after the expiration of its current mandate;
                     7.     Welcomes the signatory armed groups’ agreement on a definitive cessation
               of hostilities through the signing of a “document of commitments” on 20 September
               2017, and calls upon all parties to the Agreement to strictly abide to the arrangements
               in place for a cessation of hostilities;


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                 8.     Demands that all armed groups in Mali put aside their arms, cease
           hostilities, reject the recourse to violence, cut off all ties with terroris t organizations,
           take concrete steps to enhance their cooperation and coordination with the
           Government of Mali to eliminate the terrorist threat, and recognize, without
           conditions, the unity and territorial integrity of the Malian State, within the
           framework of the Agreement;
                9.   Urges all parties in Mali to cooperate fully with the SRSG and
           MINUSMA, and further urges all parties to ensure the safety, security and freedom
           of movement of MINUSMA’s personnel with unhindered and immediate access
           throughout the territory of Mali to enable MINUSMA to carry out fully its mandate;
                10. Calls for the inclusion within national and regional strategies of programs
           to support community efforts to address the stigma of sexual and gender-based
           violence and the reintegration of survivors into their communities;
                11. Calls upon the Government of Mali to finalize its strategy for the
           development of the North of Mali and the national emergency plan;
                 12. Requests the SRSG to use his good offices to encourage and support the
           full implementation of the Agreement, in particular by playing a central role to
           support and oversee the implementation of the Agreement by the Government of Mali,
           the Plateforme and Coordination armed groups, notably by heading the Secretariat of
           the CSA, and in particular, to assist the Malian parties in identifying and prioritizing
           implementation steps, consistent with the provisions of the Agreement;
                 13. Calls on the members of the CSA and other relevant international partners,
           including G5 Sahel States, to increase their engagement in support to the
           implementation of the Agreement, as well as to continue to coordinate their efforts in
           this regard with the SRSG and MINUSMA, and recognizes the role of the CSA to
           reconcile disagreements between the Malian parties;
                14. Takes positive note of the publication of the first report of the Independent
           Observer on 28 May 2018, calls upon the Independent Observer to continue to make
           public, including through presentation to the CSA, regular reports containing concre te
           recommendations on steps to be taken by all parties to accelerate the full, effective
           and inclusive implementation of the Agreement;
                15. Welcomes the establishment of an International Commission of Inquiry, in
           accordance with the Agreement and as requested by resolution 2364 (2017), and calls
           upon all parties to cooperate fully with it;
                 16. Encourages all relevant United Nations agencies, as well as regional,
           bilateral and multilateral partners to provide the necessary support to contribute to
           the implementation of the Agreement by the Malian parties, in particular its
           provisions pertaining to socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development;

           Situation in Central Mali
                 17. Underlines that stabilization of the situation in Central Mali requires a
           fully integrated plan encompassing simultaneous pursuit of progress on security,
           governance, development, reconciliation, as well as protection and promotion of
           human rights;
                 18. Welcomes the measures taken by the Government of Mali to support the
           implementation of its comprehensive plan to re-establish state presence in Central
           Mali (Plan de sécurisation intégrée des regions du Centre — PSIRC), and urges
           further and continued efforts in this direction, consistent with provisions of
           paragraph 17 above;


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               Electoral cycles
                      19. Stresses the need for the elections referred to above to be inclusive, free,
               fair, transparent, credible, and conducted in a peaceful environment, underlines the
               primary responsibility of the Government of Mali in ensuring this, and further stresses
               the need to ensure adequate coordination of the electoral process with the
               implementation of the Agreement;
                     20. Takes note of the measures taken until now to ensure proper preparation
               of the electoral process as well as to hold the upcoming electoral cycles according to
               the announced time frame, and encourages continued efforts in this direction;
                     21. Calls on the Government of Mali to ensure the protection of the right to
               peaceful assembly, including in the context of the ongoing state of emergency, and
               further calls upon all actors to show restraint, refrain from violence and the incitement
               thereof, as well as to resolve any potential disputes over the conduct of the electi ons
               through the use of established legal mechanisms;
                    22. Requests the SRSG to use his good offices to support the preparation,
               conduct and conclusion of the upcoming electoral cycles in pursuance of the
               conditions referenced in paragraph 19 above;
                     23. Calls for the continuation of a constructive dialogue between the
               Government, the Opposition and all relevant stakeholders on the modalities of the
               presidential elections, which is essential for the transparency and the credibility of
               the electoral process, and supports the efforts currently deployed by the SRSG in
               coordination with the African Union High-Representative and Head of MISAHEL and
               ECOWAS representative to support such dialogue;

               MINUSMA’s mandate
               General principles
                    24.   Decides to extend the mandate of MINUSMA until 30 June 2019;
                    25. Decides that MINUSMA shall continue to comprise up to 13,289 military
               personnel and 1,920 police personnel, and requests the Secretary-General to take the
               necessary steps to expedite force and asset generation, as well as deployment,
               including as set out in paragraph 58 below;
                     26. Decides that the strategic priority of MINUSMA remains to support the
               implementation by the Government, the Plateforme and Coordination armed groups,
               as well as by other relevant Malian stakeholders, of the Agreement, in particular its
               political and security key provisions, notably the gradual restoration and extension of
               State authority and services, the definition of a new institutional architecture, the
               inclusive and consensual reform of the security sector and national reconciliation
               measures, and requests MINUSMA to reprioritize its resources and efforts to focus
               on political tasks;
                     27. Stresses that MINUSMA’s mandate should be implemented based on a
               prioritization of tasks established in paragraphs 38 and 39 below, requests the
               Secretary-General to reflect this prioritization in the deployment of the mission and
               to align budgetary resources according to the prioritization of mandate tasks as set
               out in this resolution, while ensuring appropriate resources for the implementation of
               the mandate, and, in this regard, reaffirms that the support to the implementation of
               the Agreement should be given priority in decisions about the use of available
               capacity and resources;
                    28. Requests MINUSMA to strengthen its efforts to improve coordination
               between its civil, military and police components, including through an integrated

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           approach to operational planning and intelligence as well as through the establishment
           of intra-mission dedicated coordination mechanisms;
                 29. Encourages the Secretary-General to develop an integrated strategic
           framework setting the United Nations’ overall vision, joint priorities and internal
           division of labour to sustain peace in Mali, further requests the Secretary-General to
           ensure an efficient division of tasks and complementarity of efforts between
           MINUSMA and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), based on their mandates
           and comparative advantages, to support the implementation of the Agreement, as well
           as to continuously adjust this deployment according to the progress made in the
           implementation of MINUSMA’s mandate, consistent with the division of tasks with
           the UNCT requested in paragraph 71 below, while stressing the importance of
           adequate resources for the UNCT, calls on the UNCT to enhance its presence and
           activities in the Northern and Central regions of Mali, and encourages Member States
           and relevant organizations to consider providing the necessary voluntary funding to
           this end;
                30. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to ensure enhanced
           cooperation and information sharing, where appropriate, between MINUSMA, the
           United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), sub -regional
           organizations, including ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel, as well as Member States in the
           region;
                 31. Requests MINUSMA, in coordination with relevant partners, including the
           UNOWAS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to enhance its
           awareness of the financial sources of conflicts in Mali, includin g trafficking in
           persons, arms, drugs and natural resources, and the smuggling of migrants, and of its
           implication on the regional security environment, in order to contribute to the
           definition of integrated and effective strategies in support of long -term peace and
           stability in Mali and the region;
                32. Authorizes MINUSMA to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate,
           within its capabilities and its areas of deployment;
                33. Requests MINUSMA to continue to carry out its mandate with a proactive
           and robust posture;
                 34. Requests MINUSMA, in pursuit of its relevant priority tasks and active
           defence of its mandate, to continue anticipate and deter threats and to take robust and
           active steps to counter asymmetric attacks against civilians or United Nation s
           personnel, to ensure prompt and effective responses to threats of violence against
           civilians and to prevent a return of armed elements to those areas, engaging in direct
           operations pursuant only to serious and credible threats;
                35. Expresses its deep concern regarding the heavy number of losses of
           peacekeepers in Mali and requests MINUSMA to continue to protect the United
           Nations personnel, notably uniformed personnel, installations and equipment and
           ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated
           personnel, and, in this context, to periodically review all implemented safety and
           security measures;
                 36. Encourages the Secretary-General to keep the Mission concept under
           continuous review, specifically noting the repeated attacks against the mission as well
           as the deterioration of the security situation and the weakening of State ’s presence in
           the Centre of Mali, in order to maximize the positive impact of MINUSMA ’s
           resources and make operational adjustments where necessar y, further encourages the
           reconfiguration of MINUSMA posture to optimize and rebalance the uniformed and
           civilian presences in the Central region, at the discretion of the SRSG, in close
           consultation with the Force Commander and without impeding its ability to pursue its

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               strategic priority in the North, and requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security
               Council informed on the implementation of such measures;
                     37. Underlines the importance for MINUSMA to consider potential measures,
               as appropriate, as applicable, in line with its protection of civilians mandate as set out
               in paragraph 38 (d) below, and within existing resources, with a view to reducing or
               avoiding potential collateral damages among civilians which could result from attacks
               against the mission’s camps;

               Priority tasks
                     38.   Decides that MINUSMA’s mandate shall include the following priority
               tasks:
                   (a) Support to the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and
               Reconciliation in Mali
                    (i) To support the implementation of the political and institutional reforms
                    provided by the Agreement, especially in its Part II, notably to support the
                    Government’s efforts for the effective restoration and extension of State
                    authority and rule of law throughout the territory, including through supporting
                    the effective functioning of interim administrations in the North of Mali under
                    the conditions set out in the Agreement;
                    (ii) To support the implementation of the defence and security measur es of the
                    Agreement, especially its Part III and Annex 2, notably:
                       – to support, monitor and supervise the ceasefire, including through the
                         continued implementation of control measures on movement and
                         armament of signatory armed groups, and to report to the Security Council
                         on violations of it,
                       – to support the deployment of joint security patrols in the North of Mali,
                         where necessary and where possible,
                       – to support the cantonment, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
                         of armed groups, including through the integration of elements of the
                         signatory armed groups in the MDSF as an interim measure, and the
                         continued implementation of a community violence reduction program,
                         within the framework of an inclusive and consensual reform of the security
                         sector, taking into account the particular needs of women and children and
                         without prejudice to the anticipated plans of the demobilization,
                         disarmament and reintegration and integration commissions,
                       – to support the redeployment of the reformed and reconstituted MDSF in
                         the North of Mali, including through operational, logistical and
                         transportation support during coordinated operations and joint operations,
                         mentoring, planning, strengthened information sharing, and medical
                         evacuation, within existing resources, without prejudice to the basic
                         principles of peacekeeping,
                       – to ensure coherence of international efforts, in close collaboration with
                         other bilateral partners, donors and international organizations, including
                         the European Union, engaged in these fields, to rebuild the Malian security
                         sector, within the framework set out by the Agreement;
                    (iii) To support the implementation of the reconciliation and justice measures
                    of the Agreement, especially in its Part V, by continuing its current activities,
                    including with respect to the support of the operations of the International
                    Commission of Inquiry, in consultation with the parties, support to the work of


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                the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, support to the effectiveness
                of justice and corrections officials in the North and Centre of the country and to
                associated interim authorities, and technical support to Malian judicial
                institutions regarding the detention, investigation and prosecution of individuals
                suspected of, and sentencing of those found responsible for, terrorism-related
                crimes, mass atrocities and transnational organized crime activities (including
                trafficking in persons, arms, drugs and natural resources, and the smuggling of
                migrants), which risk destabilizing the peace process;
                (iv) To support, within its resources and areas of deployment, the conduct of
                inclusive, free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful
                environment, as well as the holding of a constitutional referendum, including
                through the provision of appropriate technical assistance and security
                arrangements, consistent with the provisions of the Agreement;
                (b)   Support to the restoration of State authority in the Centre
                To support the redeployment of the MDSF in the Centre of Mali, includ ing
           through continued operational, logistical and transportation support during
           coordinated operations and joint operations, mentoring, planning, strengthened
           information sharing and medical evacuation, within existing resources, without
           prejudice to the basic principles of peacekeeping;
                (c)   Good offices and reconciliation
                (i) To exercise good offices, confidence-building and facilitation at the
                national and local levels, in order to support dialogue with and among all
                stakeholders towards reconciliation and social cohesion;
                (ii) To support efforts to reduce intercommunal tensions, bearing in mind the
                primary responsibility of the Malian authorities;
                (iii) To support the holding of inclusive, free, fair, transparent and credible
                elections, conducted in a peaceful environment;
                (iv) To encourage and support the full implementation of the Agreement by the
                Government of Mali, the Plateforme and Coordination armed groups, and all
                relevant non-signatory actors, including by promoting the meaningful
                participation of civil society, including women’s organizations as well as youth
                organizations;
                (d)   Protection of civilians and stabilization, including against asymmetric
           threats
                (i) To protect, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the Malian
                authorities, civilians under threat of physical violence, including through public
                information, community outreach, dialogue and direct engagement;
                (ii) In support of the Malian authorities, to stabilize the key population centres
                and other areas where civilians are at risk, notably in the Centre and Nor th of
                Mali, and, in this regard:
                  – to enhance early warning and documentation of the impact of conflict and
                    violence on civilians,
                  – to anticipate, deter and counter threats, including asymmetric thre ats,
                  – to strengthen community engagement and protection mechanisms,
                    including through reconciliation, mediation and support to the resolution
                    of local conflicts,



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                          – to take robust and active steps to protect civilians, including through active
                            and effective patrolling in areas where civilians are at risk, mitigating the
                            risk to civilians before, during and after any military operation,
                          –    to prevent the return of armed elements to those areas, engaging in direct
                              operations pursuant only to serious and credible threats;
                    (iii) To provide specific protection for women and children affected by armed
                    conflict, including through Child Protection Advisors and Women Protection
                    Advisors as well as consultations with women’s organizations, and address the
                    needs of victims of sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict;
                    (e)       Promotion and protection of human rights
                    (i) To assist the Malian authorities in their efforts to promote and protect
                    human rights, in particular in the areas of justice and reconcili ation, including
                    to support, as feasible and appropriate, the efforts of the Malian authorities,
                    without prejudice to their responsibilities, to bring to justice those responsible
                    for serious violations or abuses of human rights or violations of internatio nal
                    humanitarian law, in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity in Mali,
                    taking into account the referral by the transitional authorities of Mali of the
                    situation in their country since January 2012 to the ICC;
                    (ii) To monitor, help investigate and report publicly and regularly to the
                    Security Council, on violations of international humanitarian law and on
                    violations and abuses of human rights, including all forms of sexual and gender -
                    based violence and violations and abuses committed against wo men and
                    children throughout Mali and to contribute to efforts to prevent such violations
                    and abuses;
                    (f)       Humanitarian assistance
                     In support of the Malian authorities, to contribute to the creation of a secure
               environment for the safe, civilian-led delivery of humanitarian assistance, in
               accordance with humanitarian principles, and the voluntary, safe and dignified return
               of internally displaced persons and refugees, or local integration or resettlement of
               internally displaced persons and refugees in close coordination with humanitarian
               actors;

               Other tasks
                     39. Further authorizes MINUSMA, without impeding on its capacity to
               implement its priority tasks, to use its existing capacities to assist in implementing
               the following other tasks in a streamlined and sequenced manner, bearing in mind that
               priority and secondary tasks are mutually reinforcing:
                    (a)       Projects for stabilization
                    In support of the Malian authorities, to contribute to the creation of a secure
               environment for projects, including quick impact projects, aimed at stabilizing the
               North of Mali;
                    (b)       Weapons and ammunition management
                     To assist the Malian authorities with the removal and destruction of mines and
               other explosive devices and weapons and ammunition management;
                    (c)       Cooperation with Sanctions Committees
                    To assist and exchange information with the Sanctions Committee and the Panel
               of experts established by resolution 2374;


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                To assist the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee
           and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team established by resolution
           1526 (2004), including by passing information relevant to the implementation of the
           measures in paragraph 1 of resolution 2368 (2017);

           Other security presences in Mali and the Sahel region
                 40. Recognizes that, in light of the specific and challenging environment in
           which it is deployed, MINUSMA interacts with other security presences which have
           the potential to be mutually beneficial instruments to restore peace and stability in
           Mali and the Sahel region, further recognizes that these security presences share the
           strategic objective to support the full, effective and inclusive implementation of the
           Agreement, while acknowledging the specificities of their respective mandates and
           postures;
                 41. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to ensure adequate
           coordination, exchange of information and, when applicable, support, within their
           respective mandates and through existing mechanisms, between MINUSMA, the
           MDSF, the FC-G5S, the French Forces and the European Union missions in Mali,
           further requests MINUSMA to strengthen its strategic communication towards all
           Malian stakeholders and towards local populations, with the objective to enhance
           awareness and understanding about the nature, impact and specificitie s of its mandate
           and activities;
                 42. Stresses that security responses to the threats faced by Mali can only be
           effective if complemented by the full, effective and inclusive implementation of the
           Agreement, if accompanied by the rapid and effective implementation of inclusive
           regional strategies by relevant actors encompassing security, governance,
           development, human rights and humanitarian issues, as well as if conducted in full
           compliance with international law, by taking feasible precautions to minimize the risk
           of harm to civilians in all areas of operations;

           Malian Defence and Security Forces
                 43. Affirms that the gradual restoration and extension of State authority across
           the territory of Mali, in particular the reformed and reconstituted MDSF, consistent
           with the provisions of the Agreement and in accordance with international human
           rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable, would contribute
           significantly to the stability of Mali and to deter the terrorist threat, and thus facilitate
           the fulfilment by MINUSMA of its mandate to stabilize Mali;
                 44. Strongly condemns the continued terrorist attacks against MDSF, expresses
           serious concerns about repeated allegations of violations of international human
           rights law and international humanitarian law by MDSF in the conduct of
           counterterrorism operations, including in Central Mali, urges the Government of Mali
           to carry out transparent and credible investigations on alleged violations of
           international human rights law and international humanitarian law by MDSF, calls
           for those responsible for such violations or abuses to be held accountable, takes
           positive note of the measures announced by the Government of Mali in response to
           several allegations referred to above and urges for the effective implementation of
           those measures, in pursuance of the conditions referred to above;
                45. Requests MINUSMA to ensure that any of its support to the MDSF is
           provided in strict compliance with the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United
           Nations support to non-United Nations security forces (HRDDP), calls upon the
           Government of Mali to implement all recommendations made by MINUSMA in the
           framework of the HRDDP, and encourages international partners to insist on respect


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               for international human rights law, international humanitarian law and accountability
               as a necessary condition when partnering with the MDSF or other armed actors;
                    46. Urges MINUSMA and the Government of Mali to redouble their efforts
               towards ensuring a swift, full and effective implementation of the Memorandum of
               Understanding on support to the redeployment of MDSF;
                     47. Encourages bilateral and multilateral partners to continue to increase their
               support to accelerate the redeployment of the MDSF, once reformed and
               reconstituted, to the North of Mali, particularly by providing relevant equipment and
               training, in coordination with the Government of Mali and MINUSMA and within the
               framework of the Agreement;

               Force conjointe du G5 Sahel
                     48. Stresses that the efforts of the FC-G5S to counter the activities of terrorist
               groups and other organized criminal groups will contribute to create a more secure
               environment in the Sahel region, and thus facilitate the fulfilment by MINUSMA of
               its mandate to stabilize Mali, and further stresses that operational and logistical
               support from MINUSMA, as per the conditions set by resolution 2391 (2017), has the
               potential to allow the FC-G5S, given its current level of capacities, to enhance its
               ability to deliver on its mandate;
                     49. Welcomes the signing on 23 February 2018 of a technical agreement
               between the United Nations, the EU and the G5 Sahel with a view to providing
               specified operational and logistical support through MINUSMA to the FC -G5S, as
               per the conditions set by resolution 2391 (2017), further welcomes the
               operationalization of the support to the FC-G5S through the technical agreement
               following the disbursement of a contribution of the EU for an amount of 10 million
               euros, and calls on donors to further contribute without delay, in order to guarantee
               full implementation and functionality of the technical agreement;
                     50. Requests the Secretary-General to enhance exchange of information
               between MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel States, through provision of relevant
               intelligence;
                     51. Recalls that adherence to the compliance framework referred to in
               resolution 2391 (2017) is essential in ensuring the required trust among the
               populations, and thus the effectiveness and legitimacy of the FC-G5S;
                     52. Requests MINUSMA to ensure that any of its support to the FC-G5S is
               provided in strict compliance with the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United
               Nations support to non-United Nations security forces (HRDDP), and calls upon the
               FC-G5S to cooperate with the United Nations in implementing the HRDDP, including
               by ensuring that the relevant monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place and
               functional;

               French forces
                     53. Authorizes French forces, within the limits of their capacities and areas of
               deployment, to use all necessary means until the end of MINUSMA ’s mandate as
               authorized in this resolution, to intervene in support of elements of MINUSMA when
               under imminent and serious threat upon request of the Secretary-General, and
               requests France to report to the Council on the implementation of this mandate in
               Mali and to coordinate its reporting with the reporting by the Secretary -General
               referred to in paragraph 70 below;




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           European Union contribution
                54. Calls on the European Union, notably its Special Representative for the
           Sahel and its EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali missions, to coordinate closely
           with MINUSMA and bilateral partners of Mali engaged to assist the Malian
           authorities in the Security Sector Reform (SSR), as provided for by the Agreement
           and consistent with paragraph 38 (a) (ii) above;

           Capacities of MINUSMA, safety and security of MINUSMA’s personnel
                 55. Requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary steps, including
           through the full use of existing authorities and extraordinary administrative measures,
           to enable MINUSMA to reach its full operational capacity without further delay;
                 56. Urges MINUSMA’s troop- and police- contributing countries to expedite
           the procurement and deployment of all necessary contingent-owned equipment, urges
           Member States to provide troops and police that have adequate capabilities,
           predeployment and, where appropriate, in situ training and equipment, including
           enablers, specific to the operating environment, in order for MINUSMA to fulfil its
           mandate, further urges Members States which do not meet the above mentioned
           criteria to consider positively the armoured personnel carrier lease offers formulated
           by equipment-contributing countries, and welcomes the assistance of Member States
           to MINUSMA’s troop- and police-contributing countries in this regard;
                57. Commends the commitment of the troop- and police-contributing countries
           in implementing the MINUSMA’s mandate in a challenging environment, and in this
           connection, takes note of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between
           the United Nations and the troop- and police-contributing countries, and calls on
           troop- and police-contributing countries to fully and effectively implement the
           provisions of these MoUs and to declare all nationals caveats as well;
                 58. Welcomes the initiatives undertaken by the Secretary General to
           standardize a culture of performance in UN peacekeeping, and calls on him to
           continue his efforts to develop an integrated performance polic y framework and apply
           it to MINUSMA, requests the Secretary-General to seek to increase the number of
           women in MINUSMA, as well as to ensure the meaningful participation of women in
           all aspects of operations;
                 59. Takes note of the presentation of the report on “Improving Security of
           United Nations Peacekeepers”, welcomes the action plan developed by MINUSMA to
           improve the security of its personnel, encourages its swift and continued
           implementation, and requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all appropriate
           additional measures to review and enhance the safety and security of MINUSMA ’s
           personnel and to enable MINUSMA to execute effectively its mandate in a complex
           security environment that includes asymmetric threats, including through:
                   – improving MINUSMA’s intelligence and analysis capacities, including
                     surveillance and monitoring capacities, within the limits of its mandate,
                   – providing training and equipment to counter explosive devices, including
                     enhanced support to troop and police contributing countries to deploy the
                     environment specific mine-protected vehicles needed under the current
                     Force requirements,
                   – improving logistics in mission, in particular by securing MINUSMA ’s
                     logistical supply routes, including through the deployment of combat
                     convoy battalions and the use of modern technology such as multiple
                     sensors, intelligence fusion and unmanned aerial systems, as well as by
                     exploring potential alternative logistical supply routes,

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                       – enhancing camps protection, including through the urgent deployment of
                         indirect fire attack early warning devices, such as ground alert radars, on
                         premises not yet equipped,
                       – implementing more effective casualty and medical evacuation procedures,
                         as well as deploying enhanced medical evacuation capacities,
                       – taking active and effective measures to improve the planning and
                         functioning of MINUSMA’s safety and security facilities and
                         arrangements,
                       – securing long-term rotation schemes for critical capabilities as well as
                         exploring innovative options to promote partnerships between equipment,
                         troop- and police-contributing countries;
                     60. Calls upon Member States, especially those in the region, to ensure the
               free, unhindered and expeditious movement to and from Mali of all personnel, as well
               as equipment, provisions, supplies and other goods, which are for the exclusive and
               official use of MINUSMA, in order to facilitate the timely and cost -effective delivery
               of the logistical supply of MINUSMA, and in this regard, requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures to facilitate the logistical supply of
               MINUSMA and to consolidate supply routes, including through using alternative
               routes;

               Obligations under international law, human rights policy and related aspects
                     61. Urges the Malian authorities to further combat impunity and, in this
               regard, to ensure that all perpetrators of crimes involving violations and abuses of
               human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including those
               involving sexual and gender based violence, are held accountable and brought to
               justice without undue delay, and also urges the Malian authorities to continue to
               cooperate with the ICC, in accordance with Mali’s obligations under the Rome
               Statute, in matters that are within its jurisdiction;
                      62. Urges all parties to comply with obligations under international
               humanitarian law to respect and protect humanitarian and medical personnel,
               facilities and relief consignments, and take all required steps to allow and facilitate
               the full, safe, immediate and unimpeded access of humanitarian actors for the delivery
               of humanitarian assistance to all people in need, while respecting the United Nations
               humanitarian guiding principles and applicable international law;
                     63. Reiterates that the Malian authorities have primary responsibility to
               protect civilians in Mali, recalls its past resolutions on the Protection of civilians in
               armed conflicts, Children and armed conflicts, and Women, peace and security, calls
               upon MINUSMA and all military forces in Mali to take them into account and to abide
               by international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, recalls the importance
               of training in this regard, urges all parties to implement the conclusions on Children
               And Armed Conflict in Mali adopted by the Security Council working group on
               19 June 2018, calls upon the Government of Mali to finalize and sign a joint
               communique with the UN on addressing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict,
               and further calls upon the Plateforme armed group to implement the commitment s
               contained in its Communiqué sur la prévention des violences sexuelles liées au conflit
               au Mali of June 2016 and upon the Coordination armed group to make similar
               commitments;
                    64. Requests MINUSMA to take fully into account gender considerations as a
               cross-cutting issue throughout its mandate and to assist the Malian authorities in
               ensuring the full and effective participation, involvement and representation of
               women at all levels and at an early stage of the stabilization phase, including the

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           security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes,
           as well as in reconciliation and electoral processes, further requests MINUSMA to
           assist the parties to ensure women’s full and active participation in the
           implementation of the Agreement, and further requests enhanced reporting by
           MINUSMA to the Security Council on this issue;
                 65. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure full compliance of MINUSMA
           with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuses and
           to keep the Council fully informed if such cases of misconduct occur, and urges troopand police-contributing countries to take appropriate preventative action, including
           predeployment awareness training, and to ensure full accountability in cases of such
           conduct involving their personnel;
                 66. Requests MINUSMA to take fully into account child protection as a cross -
           cutting issue throughout its mandate and to assist the Malian authorities in ensuring
           that the protection of children’s rights is taken into account, inter alia, in
           disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes and in security sector
           reform in order to end and prevent violations and abuses against children;

           Environmental issues
                 67. Requests MINUSMA to consider the environmental impacts of its
           operations when fulfilling its mandated tasks and, in this context, to manage them as
           appropriate and in accordance with applicable and relevant General Assembly
           resolutions and United Nations rules and regulations, and to operate mindfully in th e
           vicinity of cultural and historical sites;
                 68. Notes the importance for the Government of Mali and the United Nations
           to take into consideration, as appropriate, the security implications of the adverse
           effects of climate change and other ecological changes and natural disasters, among
           other factors, in their activities, programs and strategies in Mali;

           Small arms and light weapons
                 69. Calls upon the Malian authorities, with the assistance of MINUSMA,
           consistent with paragraph 16 above, and international partners, to address the issue
           of the proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons in
           accordance with the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their
           Ammunition and Other Related Materials and the United Nations Programme of
           Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, in order to ensure the safe and effective
           management, storage and security of their stockpiles of small arms and light weapons
           and the collection and/or destruction of surplus, seized, unmarked or illici tly held
           weapons, and further stresses the importance of the full implementation of its
           resolutions 2017 (2011), 2117 (2013) and 2220 (2015);

           Reports by the Secretary-General
                 70. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council every
           three months after the adoption of this resolution on the implementation of this
           resolution, focusing:
                (i) on the progress in the implementation of the Agreement and on
                MINUSMA’s efforts to support it,
                (ii) on progress in the implementation of the measures taken to improve
                MINUSMA’s performance and effectiveness to implement its mandate, as
                outlined in paragraphs 55 to 60 above, including measures to enhance the safety
                and security of MINUSMA’s personnel and to implement a comprehensive
                approach to protection of civilians,

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                    (iii) on coordination, exchange of information and, when applicable, mutual
                    operational and logistical support, between MINUSMA, the MDSF, the FC -
                    G5S, the French Forces and the European Union missions in Mali, as outlined
                    in paragraph 41 above;
                     71. Further requests the Secretary-General, seeking perspectives from all
               relevant parties, to include every six months in his regular reports an update on the
               development and implementation of the integrated strategic framework referred to
               above, and encourages that this integrated strategic framework also includes a
               transition plan with a view to handing over relevant tasks to the UNCT based on their
               mandates and comparative advantages as well as on a mapping of capabilities and
               gaps, a resource mobilization strategy that involves the full range of multilateral and
               bilateral partners, as well as a possible long-term exit strategy of the Mission on the
               basis of improved security and political conditions as well as of progress in the
               implementation of the Agreement;
                    72.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.




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