A peacekeeper from Burkina Faso died on Friday, June 9, in an attack in Ber town, in the region of Timbuktu in Mali. Eight other peacekeepers were injured.
These peacekeepers were part of a patrol targeted in an improvised explosive device attack, followed by direct fire, according to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, speaking during his briefing. daily press.
“This tragic loss reminds us of the risks to which peacekeepers expose themselves in Mali and elsewhere in the world, as they work tirelessly to bring stability and peace,” he lamented.
The Security Council condemned in the strongest terms this attack perpetrated against the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Its members sent their deepest condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims as well as to Burkina Faso. They also offered their condolences to the UN and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured, while paying tribute to all peacekeepers who put their lives at risk.
The members of the Council called on the Transitional Government of Mali to quickly open an investigation into this attack, with the support of MINUSMA, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to hold the troop-contributing country concerned to made progress in accordance with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).
Council recalled that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Those who commit, organize, finance or sponsor these unspeakable acts of terrorism must be brought to justice, he stressed.
He reiterated his full support for MINUSMA which, in his view, should have all the necessary capacities to carry out its mandate and promote the safety and security of United Nations peacekeeping personnel, in accordance with resolution 2640 (2022) of the Council. The members of the Council stressed that these heinous acts would in no way weaken their determination to continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Mali.
This year alone, seven peacekeepers have lost their lives in Mali.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1209 of 10/06/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
