MINUSMA congratulates the movements of the Plateforme on their decision, announced yesterday evening, to withdraw from the town of Ménaka, in the Gao region, in accordance with the “Arrangement Sécuritaire pour une Cessation des Hostilités” (“Security Arrangement for a Cessation of Hostilities”) signed in Algiers on 5 June 2015.

“MINUSMA welcomes this courageous and responsible decision by the movements of the Plateforme, which demonstrates their commitment to advancing the peace process for the benefit of all Malians,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, said.

“This positive development and the imminent signing of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement by the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad in Bamako tomorrow are clear and reassuring signs, for both the Malian population and the international community, that the peace process is on the right track thanks to the commitment of the stakeholders to meet the aspirations of the Malian people,” Mr. Hamdi added.

In consultation with the competent authorities, MINUSMA will accelerate the implementation of the provisions of the Arrangement Sécuritaire that relate to the protection of civilians in Ménaka.

This arrangement is temporary and will remain in force until the relevant mechanisms foreseen by the Peace Agreement of 15 May 2015 are established in line with its implementation schedule.