Over the weekend, at least 100 civilians were killed when rebel militias attacked several villages in the Bandiagara region, near Mopti.
Based on statement launched by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali earlier this week, MINUSMASeveral homes and shops were burned, and the attacks “also resulted in the forced displacement of hundreds of civilians.”
Dozens more have been killed in other attacks by extremists in the northeast, in the Gao region.
Many areas affected
The head of the United Nations António Guterres said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson that he was “equally appalled” at the loss of life reported there, as well as “high loss of lives and livelihoods in other parts of the countryincluding in Ménaka, where tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks. “
Mali and the entire central Sahel region have faced an increase in violence against civilians by armed extremists in recent months – an issue that has plagued the nation in years, dating back to 2012 when Islamist rebels took control of the north and center, before government forces backed by international support quelled the coup attempt.
Extreme violence has spread to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, destabilizing border areas, and according to reports, in recent weeks rebels have blocked roads between the northern city of Gao and Mopti, to the south.
Sending deep condolences
The Secretary-General expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims of the recent massacres, as well as to the people of Mali.
“He condemns these attacks in the strongest terms and calls on the Malian authorities Quickly investigate them and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
Secretary-General urges Mali’s military leadership” redouble their efforts to restore peace and stability“Nationally, and reiterate the readiness of the United Nations Stabilization Mission MINUSMA, to support their efforts.
In its statement on Tuesday, MINUSMA said it would join the nation in mourning once again, but would waste no time in establishing “preliminary mandates” to assist regional governments in dealing with the pandemic. consequences of violence, by an integrated team from the Mission, dispatched from Mopti.
MINUSMA is committed to responding
“Other specific measures are expected to support the Malian authorities’ efforts to support the people and strengthen their security.“, MINUSMA said.
“More broadly, the Mission will continue its efforts to help stabilize central Mali, which is one of the country’s strategic priorities.”
MINUSMA said that specific measures will be taken to address the resurgence of violence against civilians in the Gao region.
“This will be a continuation of the action” that began a few weeks ago after extremist groups killed dozens of people in Asongo district, in the Gao region, allegedly in retaliation for the arrest of several rebel leaders.
In line with its human rights mandate, MINUSMA said it would investigate the exact circumstances of the recent attacks. “This will assist the relevant Malian authorities in their efforts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these atrocities. “
