MINUSMA Under Attack
A deadly attack on the peacekeeping mission in Mali has killed four Chadian peacekeepers.
Reports say unidentified armed men attacked the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Aghelhoc, Mali, killing peacekeepers and wounding other members of Malian forces.
A truck loaded with bombs exploded at the entrance to MINUSMA’s camp. The town of Aguelhoc is in the northern part of Mali.
UN Condemns The Attack
The world body expressed deep condemnation of the attack on the peacekeeping mission in Mali, and calling for need to combat terrorism “by all means.”
The Security Council members also expressed their condolences to the families of the peacekeepers killed in the attack.
The Council also highlighted that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.
Since 2012, Tuareg separatists and al-Qaida linked terrorist groups took over northern Mali.
France, the former colonial power, then led an intervention to disrupt the separatists.
US Condemns The Attack On MINUSMA
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States strongly condemns yesterday’s attack on MINUSMA.
“We express our condolences to the families of those killed and to the Governments of Chad and Mali, and wish those wounded a full recovery.” – Ms. Psaki
The US called on the Government of Mali to immediately investigate the incident and hold those responsible to account.
The US also reiterated support for MINUSMA to stabilize Mali and restore a state of authority in North Mali.
US Responds to Evolving Crisis in Mali
The US named the challenges Mali continues to face:
al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) continued presence in northern Mali the restoration of democracy the need to begin negotiations with northern groups that renounce terrorism and recognize the unity of the Malian state a significant ongoing humanitarian crisis
The evolving crisis in Mali is one of the most difficult, complex, and urgent problems West Africa has faced in decades.
The US says Mali’s problems reflect the fragility of governance in the region, the lack of economic development, especially in northern Mali where there is an absence of meaningful opportunities for people to engage with their governments, and the widespread desperation that exists in an unforgiving, arid region with chronic food insecurity.
Poor governance, weak democratic institutions, and a lack of development and economic opportunity create fertile ground for terrorism and instability.
