© UN/Harandane Diko The UN chief called for the protection of Mali’s civilian population. UN chief condemns violence in Mali Peace and Security
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by reports of attacks in several areas of Mali. He strongly condemned these acts of violence and emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
A series of attacks by extremists and separatist rebels hit Mali on Saturday. Shootings and explosions were reported in the capital Bamako and around a major military base outside the capital, as well as in the central parts of the country and in the northern city of Kidal.
Clashings continued to be reported from Mali on Sunday.
Attacks by Tuareg rebels seeking to create a separate state were reported in mainly in the north, while armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS have carried out attacks on populated areas across the country.
The UN Secretary-General noted that coordinated international support is needed to counter the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region. He called for close coordination and security cooperation across the region.