The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a “high risk” of atrocities in Mali, calling for beefing up the U.N. peacekeeping presence in the country.
Guterres submitted the report to the Security Council, saying he was “appalled” by the upsurge in violence.
He called on the Malian government to boost its response to extremist groups operating in the country.
“If these concerns are not addressed, there is a high risk of further escalation that could lead to the commission of atrocity crimes,” the U.N. chief said in the report.
With the increasing security concerns in Mali, Guterres urged an end to the calls to have the number of blue helmets in the country reduced.
The 70-year-old’s report recommended that the MINUSMA mission be extended for a year, with its troop ceiling of 13,289 unchanged along with the maximum deployment of 1,920 police.
There are currently about 14,700 troops and police deployed in Mali, which ranks as the most dangerous UN mission, with 125 peacekeepers killed in attacks since deployment in 2013.
Guterres also recommended that MINUSMA strengthens its presence in the center of the country, where attacks have been deadliest.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on renewing MINUSMA’s mandate on June 27.
