In a statement to the press, the members of the Council commended the Malian people “for their peaceful participation in the electoral process” and the transitional authorities for the preparation, organization and management of the elections.

The provisional results were announced yesterday, declaring Ibrahim Boubacar Keita the winner. The elections are seen as an important step on the path to recovery for Mali. Since early 2012, the country has witnessed a military coup d'état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.

The 15-member body reiterated its call on all signatories of the Ouagadougou Agreement of 18 June to fully implement its provisions, including the launch of inclusive and credible peace talks open to all communities of the north of Mali in the designated timeframe.

The agreement, signed in Burkina Faso, provides for an immediate ceasefire and commits the parties to discussing sustainable peace in Mali through an inclusive dialogue that will take place after the election.

The members of the Council also called for the swift holding of free, fair, transparent, and inclusive legislative elections, and stressed the importance of the national dialogue and reconciliation process.

In addition, they underlined the importance of the full operational deployment of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in northern Mali, as well as the reestablishment of State authority throughout the country, the continued implementation of the transitional road map, and the promotion of the rule of law and protection of human rights.

The peacekeeping mission’s core task is to support the political process in Mali, in close coordination with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).