Mali: UN Police help Mali Government probe of deadly terrorist attack

Already on the day of the “despicable terrorist attack,” a force from the security and safety section, the Quick Reaction Force, and police segment of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was on site together with medical care personnel, ambulances and fire trucks to provide all possible aid, the Mission reported on Monday.

“I am impressed by the good coordination with the Malian Defence and Security Forces,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative and MINUSMA head Mongi Hamdi said in a statement on the assault, in which at least 22 were killed – including the attackers – and dozens more were reportedly trapped for hours until the terrorists were overcome.

“I want to renew my appreciation to our police officers from UNPOL (UN Police), to the UN Security personnel, and to all firefighters and rescuers who have joined forces with our Malian and international partners with a great deal of passion and professionalism. I finally salute the composure and courage of hotel guests and staff who had to overcome this ordeal.”

In all, 45 UN Police Officers (UNPOL) and 14 UN Security Officers were involved and Hamdi stressed that UNPOL support is still continuing the in follow-up investigation.

MINUSMA strongly condemns any action aiming to jeopardize the peace process and remains committed to support the people and Government of Mali in their efforts to bring back lasting peace to the country, the statement added.

Set up in 2013 to carry out security-related tasks and help to stabilize the country and implement a transitional roadmap following a coup and separatist and Islamist takeover of the north, the Mission currently deploys more than 9,000 military personnel, some 1,180 police and an equal number of civilians on the ground.

Photo: MINUSMA/Mikado FM/www.justearthnews.com