Security Council Presidential Statement Calls on Parties in Inter-Malian Negotiation Process to Resume Peace Agreement Talks, Cease Hostilities

The Security Council this morning urged the parties in the inter-Malian negotiation process in Algiers to resume their talks to achieve and implement a comprehensive peace agreement, while demanding that all groups cease hostilities or face possible targeted sanctions.

Reaffirming support to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in a statement presented by Liu Jieyi of China, which holds the February Council presidency, the Council underlined its authorization to use all necessary means to deter threats and take steps to prevent the return of armed elements, protect civilians in danger and respond to attacks against its personnel, installations and equipment.

The Council welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General to launch an independent inquiry to determine the facts surrounding the tragic incidents that took place on 27 January 2015 during a violent demonstration in front of the MINUSMA base in Gao, and the reported death of at least three protesters, expressing condolences to the families of those killed.

Drawing lessons from previous peace agreements that did not hold in Mali, the Council urged the Malian parties and the international mediation team in Algiers to devise concrete oversight mechanisms that would ensure the full, faithful and immediate implementation of a future agreement, and to ensure the participation and protection of women was taken into account.  It stressed that such an agreement must be Malian-led and Malian-owned.

The meeting began at 12:23 p.m. and ended at 12:27 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2015/5 reads as follows:

“The Security Council urges the Malian parties, namely the Government of Mali and the signatory and adherent armed groups of the Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement, to resume without delay the inter-Malian negotiation process in Algiers.  The Security Council urges the Malian parties to engage through senior and fully empowered representatives in order to reach as soon as possible a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the crisis in Mali.  The Security Council urges the parties to engage with sustained political will, spirit of compromise and in good faith on substantive discussions towards such an agreement.  In this regard, the Security Council further calls on the Malian parties to make the necessary concessions, while respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Malian State.

“The Security Council urges the parties to seize the historic opportunity offered by the inter-Malian negotiation process in Algiers, in which all neighbouring countries and relevant regional and international partners are involved, to support lasting peace in Mali.  Recognizing the legitimate aspiration of all Malian citizens to enjoy lasting peace and development, the Security Council stresses that the Malian parties have a responsibility to the Malian people and the international community to reach a durable peace agreement.

“The Security Council reiterates its full support to the facilitation efforts of Algeria and of all the members of the international mediation team.  The Security Council calls on all actors who have influence on the Malian parties to urge them to negotiate seriously and in good faith towards a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement.  The Security Council also expresses its full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, and requests him to use his good offices mandate and actively engage to play a key role in the inter-Malian negotiation process in Algiers.

“The Security Council urges all parties to refrain from any action, whether direct or conducted through proxies, that jeopardizes prospects for peace and, in this regard, expresses its readiness to consider appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions, against those who resume hostilities and violate the ceasefire.

“The Security Council reiterates its full support to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and its contribution to peace and security in Mali, and welcomes the sustained efforts of the French forces that support it.  The Security Council commends the continued commitment and sacrifices of MINUSMA’s troop and police contributing countries.  The Security Council reiterates its strongest condemnation of all attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers, personnel and property, and underlines that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.  The Security Council recalls the obligations in operative paragraph 2 (e) of resolution 1373 (2001).

“The Security Council requests MINUSMA to fully implement its mandate, and, in this regard, recalls its authorization that MINUSMA use all necessary means within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, in accordance with resolution 2164 (2014), including to deter threats and take active steps to prevent the return of armed elements, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, and to respond to attacks against its personnel, installations and equipment.

“The Security Council underscores that only a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement can bring lasting security to Mali.  The Security Council deplores the continued violence in the North of Mali, which causes the loss of human lives and casualties.  The Security Council therefore demands that all parties, including those who are not signatories to the Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement, cease immediately all hostilities and reject violence.  The Security Council demands that all parties fully respect the ceasefire agreement signed on 23 May 2014, as well as the declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities signed in Algiers on 24 July 2014.  The Security Council further urges all parties to swiftly implement all agreed confidence-building measures, in particular the mechanisms established by the declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities, to facilitate the implementation of the ceasefire, with the support of and in coordination with MINUSMA.

“The Security Council welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to launch an independent inquiry to determine the facts surrounding the tragic incidents that took place on 27 January 2015 during a violent demonstration in front of the MINUSMA base in Gao, in the north of Mali, and the reported death of at least 3 protesters, and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who have died.

“Drawing on lessons from the previous peace agreements signed by the Malian parties, which did not achieve a durable peace in Mali, the Security Council urges the Malian parties — and calls on the members of the international mediation team — in Algiers to devise concrete oversight mechanisms that will ensure the full, faithful and immediate implementation of a future comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement.  The Security Council calls for all relevant parties to ensure that provisions relating to participation of women, sexual violence and child protection are taken into account during the ongoing negotiations and any possible outcome.

“The Security Council stresses the critical importance that such an agreement be Malian-led and Malian-owned and calls on the Malian parties to demonstrate commitment to its complete implementation.  The Security Council emphasizes that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and MINUSMA should play a leading role, in conjunction with the other members of the international mediation team and other relevant partners, to support and oversee the implementation of such an agreement, of which primary responsibility rests with the Malian parties.”