UN inquiry into violent Mail protests submits report; Ban 'profoundly regrets' civilian casualties
The inquiry into the violence, which took place on 27 January this year, determined that members of a UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) used unauthorized and excessive force on civilian protesters during the demonstration, resulting in the death by gunfire of three protesters and the wounding of four others.
Additionally, the Inquiry established that some protesters and organizers of the demonstration bear responsibility for the violence of the protest, which included Molotov cocktails, stone throwing and attempts to breach the perimeter of the Regional MINUSMA Headquarters in Gao. It also noted that MINUSMA security forces were left to face protesters on their own in violation of the Status of Forces Agreement with the host country. Five MINUSMA police officers were wounded during the event.
“The Secretary-General profoundly regrets the casualties among civilians resulting from the excessive use of force during this event by the MINUSMA personnel concerned,” said the Secretary-General’s statement. “He condemns it as a violation of the MINUSMA Directive on the Use of Force. The Secretary-General is committed to ensuring that the responsible individuals are held fully accountable for their actions.”
The statement pointed to steps being taken in that regard with the authorities of Mali and the relevant police-contributing country and said the Secretary-General encouraged the Government of Mali to take appropriate steps to prevent future such incidents.
“Communications, management and crisis procedures within MINUSMA will also be examined to prevent the recurrence of such acts,” the statement said, adding that the Secretary-General is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families according to local customs and appropriate United Nations procedures.
“MINUSMA is in contact with the local authorities and with the individuals and families concerned in this regard,” the statement said. “On behalf of the United Nations, the Secretary-General expresses his deepest apologies to the victims and their families.”
The statement concluded by noting that the UN, and MINUSMA in particular, remain committed to supporting the stabilisation of Mali.
Photo: MINUSMA/Marco Dormino
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
