Mali: UN launches probe into violent demonstration against peacekeepers in Gao

The United Nations appointed a high-level team to conduct an Inquiry into the events of 27 January, when a violent demonstration against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) resulted in the death and injury of protesters in the northern city of Gao.

The United Nations received assurances of full support when it informed the Government of Mali of the Inquiry, said the UN today.

On 29 January, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the investigation “to determine the facts surrounding this tragic incident.” In that earlier statement, he deplored the incidents that took place on 27 January during a demonstration in front of the MINUSMA base in Gao and said that he was saddened by the violence that surrounded the demonstration and the reported death of at least three protesters and the injury of several others.

Today, the UN announced that the probe will be conducted by three independent experts: Bacre Waly Ndiaye of Senegal (team leader), Ralph Zacklin of the United Kingdom and Mark Kroeker of the United States, each with extensive international experience.

The Inquiry team will travel soon to Mali to establish, swiftly and comprehensively, the facts surrounding the demonstration, to the UN.