Security Council Press Statement on Mali

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Raimonda Murmokaitė (Lithuania):

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the outbreak of violence that has occurred in Mali since 27 April, which threatens to undermine the peace process, and demanded that the hostilities cease immediately.

The members of the Security Council urged the parties to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process and adhere to their obligations under the cease fire agreement of 23 May 2014, and the declarations of cessation of hostilities of 24 July 2014 and 19 February 2015.

The members of the Security Council stressed that the attacks perpetrated since 27 April, notably in Ménaka, Goundam and Léré, violate the ceasefire.  The members of the Security Council recalled the statement by the President of the Security Council of 6 February (S/PRST/2015/5), as well as their press statement of 10 April, in which the Security Council expressed its readiness to consider targeted sanctions against those who resume hostilities and violate the ceasefire.  In this regard, the members of the Security Council expressed their intention to evaluate next steps in light of these violations and events on the ground.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, and to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), to engage with all parties to de-escalate tensions and continue dialogue.

The members of the Security Council urged the parties, including the armed groups of the Coordination, to remain committed to the peace process in which they engaged.  The members of the Security Council encouraged the parties to continue to engage constructively with sustained political will and in good faith, supported by the members of the international mediation team, with the view to sign the draft Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali on 15 May in Bamako.  The members of the Security Council expressed their full support to the members of the international mediation team for their efforts to support the parties in this regard.