Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Kidal, Mali

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President François Delattre (France):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the coordinated attacks against a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp in Kidal, Mali, on 8 March 2015, resulting in the death of two children and of one Chadian peacekeeper of MINUSMA, and many injured.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous crime, as well as to the Governments and people of Mali and Chad, and to MINUSMA.  The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the Chadian peacekeepers for their sacrifices and continued efforts in MINUSMA.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.  The members of the Security Council underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Mali and MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and the Malian people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2164 (2014).  The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to MINUSMA and French forces that support it.

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