In a statementthe head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSMA), El-Ghassim WANE, described the attack on the security patrol in the town of Ber in the Timbuktu region as a “cowardly act”.
“This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks our peacekeepers are currently facing We work tirelessly to bring stability and peace to the people of Mali“, he added.
The mission said the patrol was the target of an attack using an improvised explosive device (IED) and was then shot directly.
Homage to “Brother in Arms”
Mr. WANE extended his “heartfelt condolences to the government, the brothers in arms and the family of the fallen colleague” and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The The safety of our peacekeepers remains a priorityMINUSMA said every effort is being made to enhance their protection amid evolving security challenges in Mali.
“MINUSMA reaffirms its commitment to the people of Mali and its determination to continue its mission of supporting peace and stability in the country. The mission will work closely with the Malian authorities investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.”
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric briefed correspondents in New York on Friday and reiterated Mr WANE’s condemnation of the attack and his tribute to the fallen peacekeepers, adding that it was death the ninth just this yearin Mali – which has long been the most dangerous place to operate as a peacekeeping force.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix also joined in condemning the deadly attack and commended the tireless efforts of those serving in the mission.
history of insecurity
MINUSMA was formed a decade ago after rampant insecurity in northern Mali and a failed military coup by extremist militants that led to the signing of a peace accord between the then-government and armed group coalitions in 2015.
Mr. WANE informed the Security Council In April, he warned that following successful Malian military operations in regions such as Timbuktu and Gao, extremist groups had been forced and had begun to increasingly use IEDs to impede ground movements of defense and security forces. MINUSMA supports a three-year stabilization strategy for the center of the country based on closer coordination between the mission and the Malian armed forces, he told the council.
The military-led government is scheduled to allow elections and the restoration of full constitutional order by March 2024.
