Addis Ababa, 2 July 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learned with dismay of the heinous attack perpetrated today, in the Timbuktu region, against a convoy of the Burkina Faso contingent of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which left six people dead and several others injured.

The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this cowardly act. She presents her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, wishes speedy recovery to the injured and assures the Government and people of Burkina Faso of the AU’s full solidarity in these trying circumstances. She stresses that everything should be done to identify the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice.

 

The Chairperson of the Commission notes that the attack occurred at a time when the international community is fully mobilized to provide the Government and other concerned Malian actors with all the support they need to successfully implement the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, arising from the Algiers Process. She stresses the need for the Malian parties, with the support of the region, the rest of Africa and the international partners, to intensify their efforts, in order to expedite the restoration of lasting peace and security in their country, neutralize the terrorist and criminal groups, deepen reconciliation and address the challenge of development, in pursuance of the commitments made under the Agreement.

 

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s full support to MINUSMA and encourages the Mission to continue its efforts in the search for peace and reconciliation in Mali. She expresses, once again, her appreciation to the troop and police contributing countries for their commitment and the immense sacrifices made. She welcomes the recent decision of the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of MINUSMA, and renews the readiness of the AU to contribute to the strengthening of the Mission, on the basis of the measures agreed upon within the framework of the Nouakchott Process on the Enhancement of Security Cooperation and the Operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture in the Sahelo-Saharan Region.

COMMENTS