UN chief reiterates support for peace agreement in Mali

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday reiterated UN's support for the peace accord.

On May 15, 2015, in absence of the Mali's main rebel coalition, the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) which include three major rebel groups in northern Mali, Mali's government signed the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation with pro-government militias as well as some of the country's minor rebel groups.

On June 20, CMA signed the agreement in the African country's capital Bamako, completing the signing process of the accord that is aimed at ending hostilities and launching development programs in the troubled northern Mali, as well as restoring peace and stability to the nation.

"The Secretary-General trusts that the signatory parties will ensure the swift and full implementation of the agreement, bearing in mind the many challenges that lie ahead," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson .

Ban also said strengthening the posture and capabilities of UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) will enable the mission to effectively support the Malian government in achieving lasting peace and stability in the country, according to the statement.

MINUSMA was established in 2013 to support Mali's reconciliation between the north and south and carry out security-related tasks. The Security Council has been working on recommendations on capacity building for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali as well as increasing its troop levels after a series of attacks killing UN peacekeepers.

With many armed groups active in the country, the security situation in Mali remains grave. At least 20 people, including Malian soldiers, UN peacekeepers and civilians working for the United Nations, have lost their lives in terrorist attacks in northern and central Mali since May.

Terrorist groups like Ansar Dine, al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb and Al Mourabitoune continue their insurgency against MINUSMA and Malian forces. These groups get support from the local population as well as some groups that have signed the peace agreement, according to MINUSMA head Mahamat Saleh Annadif. 
Source:XINHUA