Concerned about Violent Clashes in Mali, Secretary-General Calls for Restraint, Inclusive Political Dialogue to Enable Credible Elections

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is following with concern developments in Mali and the violent clashes sparked by the holding of demonstrations by opposition parties today in Bamako.

He calls for calm and restraint by all parties, and urges political actors and civil society to favour dialogue in order to maintain an environment conducive to the holding of credible and transparent elections.  The United Nations stands ready to support a peaceful resolution of the parties’ grievances.

The Secretary-General was encouraged during his recent visit to Mali by the progress registered in the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation.  He wishes for this positive dynamic to continue with the holding of elections in a peaceful climate.

The Secretary-General regrets the Government-imposed ban on the demonstrations by opposition parties, recalling the importance of an inclusive political dialogue in Mali.  He also calls on the Malian Government to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression to peaceful demonstrations, including in the context of the ongoing state of emergency.