Outraged by Terrorist Attacks against Mission, Secretary-General Calls for Mali Government to ‘Expeditiously’ Investigate, Hold Perpetrators Accountable

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is outraged by the terrorist attacks carried out yesterday in Gao, Mali, against the United Nations.

According to preliminary reports, one peacekeeper from China was killed and a dozen United Nations personnel were injured when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp.  In a separate incident, one civilian contractor from France and two security guards from Mali were killed when the camp of a United Nations contractor, in another area of the city, was attacked by unknown assailants.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the recent series of attacks directed against MINUSMA that have killed 12 peacekeepers and injured many more in May alone.  He reiterates that nothing can excuse these acts of terrorism against men and women who are serving with the United Nations to help the people of Mali to restore stability and peace across the country.  The Secretary-General urges the Government of Mali, with the support of its partners, to expeditiously investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.  He also calls on the people of Mali to provide information on the attacks to the authorities.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Governments of China, France and Mali.  He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the United Nations will continue to support the peace agreement and stabilization of Mali.

In the coming days, the Secretary-General intends to present to the Security Council proposals to strengthen the Mission's posture and capabilities.  He reiterates the long-standing demand to ensure that MINUSMA forces are adequately equipped to operate in a dangerous and unpredictable environment such as Mali.