The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, condemns in the strongest possible terms the deadly attack that took place at a Bamako restaurant at around 1 a.m. this morning.

The attack was carried out by at least one masked person, who opened fire on the restaurant's customers. Preliminary reports indicate that the attack killed at least five people (three Malians and two foreigners) and injured nine others, including two international experts working with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) at MINUSMA.

"I condemn this heinous and cowardly attack in the strongest possible terms," the Head of MINUSMA said. "I extend my condolences to the governments concerned and to the families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. I urge the Malian authorities to ensure that those responsible for this attack are identified and brought to justice as quickly as possible." 

MINUSMA has made United Nations Police (UNPOL) investigators and crime scene experts available to the Malian authorities. These investigators are currently working with their Malian colleagues.