The SRSG Urges the Parties to Immediately Cease Hostilities in Ménaka

28 Apr 2015

The SRSG Urges the Parties to Immediately Cease Hostilities in Ménaka

At around noon today, MINUSMA was informed about an attack conducted by GATIA and MAA-Plateforme on the town of Ménaka, held by elements of the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA).

 

Shots were heard and MINUSMA deployed helicopters to assess the situation.

 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General warned the parties involved about the serious consequences their actions could entail for the peace process in Mali. “I urge the parties to immediately cease hostilities and to return to their positions. This resurgence of tensions imperils everybody’s efforts to restore lasting peace in Mali,” he said.

 

The SRSG had travelled to Nouakchott on 26 April to meet with representatives of the CMA, who reaffirmed their full commitment to the ongoing peace process and confirmed their intention to initial the Agreement.

 

“Months of intensive negotiations involving all parties to put an end to the crisis in Mali could be endangered. These actions constitute serious violations of the ceasefire agreements, which were also reaffirmed in the declaration of 19 February 2015,” he continued.

 

The SRSG also pointed to the statement by the President of the United Nations Security Council on 6 February 2015, which suggested that appropriate measures would be considered, including the imposition of targeted sanctions against those who resume hostilities and violate the ceasefire.

 

“I therefore call for calm and reason to prevail for the benefit of all Malians. The crisis that has shaken Mali will only be resolved through dialogue. I remain convinced that all parties will demonstrate wisdom and reason to sign a historic peace agreement,” the SRSG concluded.