Mali: UN condemns ‘horrific’ terrorist attack on hotel in Bamako

Condemning the “horrific” terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako which killed an unknown number of civilians and injured many more, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has noted that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been assisting the authorities in the handling of this crisis.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in new York, the UN chief expressed his sincere condolences to the Government of Mali and the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded victims of this attack, in which, according to media reports, armed gunmen stormed the hotel in the Malian capital, killing at least 20 people and trapping dozens in the building for hours.

The Secretary-General, in his statement, noted with concern that these attacks are taking place at a time when the peace process is making good progress and the signatory groups to the Agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali, in particular the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad and the Plateforme, were in Bamako to attend the sixth meeting of the Comité de suivi de l'Accord (CSA) with the Malian Government and international partners.

“The Secretary-General deplores any attempt to derail the implementation of the Agreement,” said the statement, adding that Mr. Ban expressed his full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist and extremist groups.

He also welcomed the statements of the signatory parties to the Agreement that they remain committed to its implementation. The Secretary-General reiterated the commitment of the United Nations, through MINUSMA, to support the Malian Government and the parties to the Agreement at this critical juncture in the peace process.

Earlier today, the Mongi Hamdi, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, strongly condemned the attack and expressed his support to those affected by it.

The Mission said it is currently supporting Malian authorities and is providing security back-up while also deploying medical needs at the site.

The Malian Government has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d’état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical extremists. The country has also been wracked by a series of humanitarian crises.