UN Security Council renews Mali sanctions regime

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution renewing sanctions against Mali for another year.

The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze on targeted individuals and entities, which will continue until Aug. 31, 2022, according to Resolution 2590 adopted by the 15-member council.

The UN Security Council's sanctions regime on the West African country had been due to expire on Tuesday. It allows the body to blacklist anyone involved in planning, directing, or committing acts in Mali that violate international humanitarian law, including attacks on medical or humanitarian personnel.

Human rights violations and abuses have soared in Mali, with an increase of 25% recorded in the second quarter of 2021, the UN mission in the country said on Monday.

The UN maintains peacekeepers in the country.