UN welcomes steps taken to draft agreement on peace: Mali

According to Stéphane Dujarric, the Government of Mali, a member of the coalition of armed groups ‘Platform’ and the mediation team led by Algeria reached agreement today, though the ‘Coordination’ of coalition of armed groups has not yet initialled the document and has requested additional time to consult with its constituencies in Mali.

The mission says the draft peace accord is “the most viable compromise to meet the multiple challenges facing Mali”.

It also notes that sustained and united international support is required to assist the parties in finalising and then implementing an inclusive and sustainable peace agreement.

“The ownership and commitment of the Malian parties is crucial for success. And the mission calls on all Malian parties to continue to engage constructively and in good faith towards a final settlement,” Dujarric added.

The Government in Mali has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d'état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.

Throughout much of this time, Mali’s north has remained restive and, in recent months, MINUSMA and its “blue helmets” have come under repeated violent attack.

Photo: UN Photo/Mark Garten (file)