Bamako, 20 June 2022 - MINUSMA has learned with dismay of the attacks by extremist groups on several villages in the Bandiagara region of Central Mali on 18 and 19 June 2022. More than 100 civilians were killed, and several homes and shops were burned. These attacks also led to the forced displacement of several hundred civilians.

In addition, attacks also took place in several localities in the Gao region, causing the death of dozens of civilians, as well as the displacement of populations fleeing the insecurity.

MINUSMA strongly condemns these heinous acts, which constitute serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The Mission extends its condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Mali andwishes a speedy recovery to the injured. It fully associates itself with the mourning that has once again struck Mali.

In accordance with its Mandate and as a follow-up to contacts initiated as soon as the Mission learnt the information on the atrocities in the Bandiagara region, it facilitated today a preliminary mission for the regional authorities to the areas affected by the violence. An integrated team from the Mission operating from Mopti took part. Similarly, the Mission assisted in the evacuation of wounded to Sévaré town.

Other concrete measures are envisaged in support of the Malian authorities' efforts to assist the population and strengthen their security. More broadly, the Mission will continue its efforts to help stabilize central Mali, which is one of its strategic priorities.

Specific measures are also underway to address the resurgence of attacks against civilians in the Gao region. These will be a continuation of the action that was launched several weeks ago after extremist groups committed serious abuses in the region, particularly in the Ansongo cercle.

In addition, and in accordance with its human rights mandate, MINUSMA will investigate the precise circumstances of these attacks. This will support the relevant Malian authorities in their efforts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these heinous acts.

La MINUSMA reste disposée à apporter tout autre appui dont les autorités maliennes auraient besoin, y compris le déploiement de moyens supplémentaires dans les zones affectées par la violence. Il est plus que jamais nécessaire d’intensifier les efforts pour assurer une meilleure protection des populations civiles et, à cet effet, de mobiliser toutes les ressources disponibles et d’assurer leur utilisation judicieuse.