Ban condemns attacks against UN mission in Mali
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned yesterday's series of attacks against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned yesterday's series of attacks against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
According to preliminary information, four different attacks targeting MINUSMA personnel and installations occurred in Aguelhok, Kidal region, during which one peacekeeper from Chad was killed and eight others injured, according to a statement attributable to the Secretary-General's spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General presents his sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and people of Chad, and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured,” the statement said.
The UN chief also called for “swift action” to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice, recalling that attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute war crimes under international law.
The statement also said that the Secretary-General is concerned by the recent violations of the ceasefire arrangements by the signatory armed groups in the area of Kidal. In that regard, Mr. Ban urged signatory parties to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, which he said would contribute to restoring stability and security in the region.
In late September, the Secretary-General, speaking at ministerial meeting on the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, emphasized that the promotion of peace and stability in Mali is crucial to its people, for the region and for the world.
The Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed in June 2015 by the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad armed group, following its signature in May 2015 by the Government and a third party, the Plateforme coalition of armed groups.
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.