Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Gao, Mali

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Olof Skoog (Sweden):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric attack on 18 January 2017 in Gao, Mali, against the camp of the Operational Coordination Mechanism, which caused the death of dozens of persons and for which the terrorist group Al-Mourabitoun has claimed responsibility.  They highlighted that this terrorist attack targeted members of the Malian defence and security forces and of the Plateforme and Coordination armed groups, designated to participate in joint security patrols within the framework of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.

The members of the Security Council expressed their most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Mali.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.  The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.  They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council condemned any attempt to derail the peace process in Mali.  They reiterated their determination to support the people of Mali, the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups to fully implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali