United Nations – The Security Council on Wednesday called on Malian Government to swiftly investigate the terrorist attack against the camp of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Gao, North of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the Tuesday attack, one UN peacekeeper from the People’s Republic of China was killed and many others were injured.
The 15-member council in a statement in New York underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.
The Council condemned the attack and expressed condolences and sympathy to the family of the victims, as well as the Government of the People’s Republic of China and to MINUSMA.
Members of the Council also paid tribute to the peacekeepers who risked their lives and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constituted one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The Council stressed the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of acts of terrorism to justice and urged States to cooperate with relevant authorities in this regard.
The Council, which expressed concern about the security situation in Mali, reiterated its full support to MINUSMA and the French forces that support it.
It also stressed its support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, Mahamat Annadif, and for MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and the people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country.
Members of the Council noted that the full implementation of the Agreement and the intensification of efforts to overcome asymmetric threats could contribute to improving the security situation across Mali. (NAN)