Condemning Recent Fighting in Mali, Secretary-General Calls upon Leaders of Signatory Armed Groups to Restore Calm

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

The Secretary-General condemns the recent fighting in Kidal, Mali, which erupted on 21 and 22 July between two armed groups signatory to the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.  He deplores this first violation of the ceasefire since September 2015, which occurred at a time when the stakeholders were progressing with the establishment of an interim authority in the northern regions.

He calls upon the leaders of the two signatory armed groups to restore calm and reminds them of their commitments and obligations with regard to the protection of civilians, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law.

At this crucial juncture in the peace process, the Secretary-General urges the signatory parties to take the necessary steps for the swift and full implementation of the peace agreement, including the immediate establishment of interim authorities and security arrangements.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) will continue to do its utmost to protect civilians and carry out its mandate, including the restoration of State authority, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2295 (2016).