UN security council condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have strongly condemned an attack in the north-eastern Malian town of Kidal that killed two blue helmets and left several others, including members of the national armed forces. According to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the car bomb attack occurred early Saturday as the UN and Malian troops were jointly securing a bank in downtown Kidal, according to the UN news center. The explosion killed two Senegalese blue helmets and wounded several members of MINUSMA and the Malian armed forces. “All those responsible for this criminal act must be brought to justice,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement. “The United Nations remains undeterred in its mission to support the people and Government of Mali in building lasting peace in their country. “The Secretary-General encourages all Malians to reject violence and support the peace process, including through their participation in Sunday’s second round of legislative elections,” his spokesperson added. Bert Koenders, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of MINUSMA, also stressed the need for those responsible for the attack to be identified and brought to justice. “This attack will not undermine our determination and our commitment to restore peace and security in Mali,” he stated in a news release. “The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the Malian authorities and MINUSMA to stabilize Mali, re-establish State administration throughout the country and launch an effective and inclusive national dialogue,” the statement added.