Ceasefire Agreements Must Be Respected
A meeting of the “Core Group” of the International Mediation* took place at the MINUSMA headquarters in Bamako yesterday with the participation of France and the United States to discuss the worrying security situation in the north of Mali.
The participants considered that, in light of the rapid deterioration of the security situation on the ground, it was essential to continue to give priority to the path of dialogue within the framework of the ongoing peace process.
The participants unanimously stress the need to respect the ceasefire agreements and demand the immediate and unconditional retreat of the armed groups who occupy positions in violation of these agreements and the Declaration of cessation of hostilities signed in Algiers on 19 February 2015.
With regard to the current situation in Ménaka, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) is committed to using all means, including strengthening MINUSMA’s presence, to ensure the security and protection of civilian populations.
“It is imperative that the parties find their way back to the path of dialogue within the framework of the peace process that was begun more than a year ago, with a view to the forthcoming signature of the peace agreement, which is foreseen for 15 May,” the SRSG said.
The “Core Group” of the International Mediation is examining the possibility of holding a meeting in Algiers in the coming days with the participation of the parties involved in hostilities on the ground to calm tensions in the north of Mali.
* The “Core Group” of the International Mediation is composed of Algeria, the African Union, the European Union and ECOWAS.