The attacks by extremist groups on various villages in the Bandiagara region of Central Mali on the 18th and 19th of June 2022 were reported to MINUSMA with dismay.
Over 100 individuals were slain, and several homes and businesses were set on fire. Several hundred residents were displaced as a result of these strikes.
Furthermore, attacks occurred in various areas of the Gao region, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians and the displacement of populations fleeing the consequent insecurity.
These terrible acts, which are major violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, are strongly condemned by MINUSMA.
The Mission expresses its condolences to the dead’ families and the Mali government, and wishes the injured a swift recovery. It completely understands the anguish that has befallen Mali over again.
The Mission today enabled a preliminary mission for regional authorities to the areas afflicted by violence, in accordance with its mandate and as a follow-up to contacts established as soon as it was informed of the crimes in the Bandiagara region.
The visit was attended by an integrated team from the Mopti-based Mission. Similarly, the Mission assisted in the evacuation of citizens who had been injured to Sévaré town.
Other specific actions are planned to aid Malian authorities in their efforts to assist the population and strengthen their security. In general, the Mission will continue to assist in the stabilization of central Mali, which is one of its strategic priority.
In the Gao region, specific efforts are also being taken to address the recurrence of attacks against residents. These will build on the activity that was initiated a few weeks ago when extremist organizations in the region, particularly in the Ansongo cercle, perpetrated major violations.
In addition, MINUSMA will examine the circumstances of these attacks in compliance with its human rights mandate. The goal is to assist the relevant Malian authorities in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators of these atrocious acts.
MINUSMA continues committed to providing whatever extra assistance the Malian authorities may require, including the deployment of additional assets to areas where violence has occurred.
It is more important than ever to step up efforts to ensure better protection of civilians, including mobilizing all available resources and ensuring their sensible application.