UN chief says pandemic worsens Sahel security

The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, said the coronavirus pandemic has compounded the dire humanitarian and security situations in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region.

In a report to the Security Council, Guterres said the deteriorating security situation remains of grave concern with terrorist groups allied with al-Qaeda and Islamic state competing for control over areas of influence

He said attacks on civilians, Malian and international forces are continuing in northern and central Mali, and noted that clashes between Al-qaeda and Islamic state have also been reported.

The impact of COVID-19 is exacerbating the humanitarian crises in Mali.