UN mission deplores violence, loss of life following protests in Mali's northern city of Gao
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 13 July 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN mission deplores violence, loss of life following protests in Mali's northern city of Gao, 13 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/578787b140d.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
13 July 2016 - Deploring the outbreak of violence that occurred yesterday in Gao, following a demonstration that turned violent, leaving four dead and many injured, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali is encouraging Government-led initiatives to better familiarize the population with the recently agreed peace deal.
In a press statement, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) called for calm, while deploring the loss of life, in Gao, which is located in Mali's restive northern region. The Mission noted that Malian authorities plan to conduct an independent and impartial investigation that will aim to shed light on the "regrettable events."
The Mission said that before and during the incident, it tried to calm the situation by promoting dialogue between local authorities and protesters in order to address the concerns of various parties. This effort is ongoing, the Mission added.
Further to the statement, MINUSMA encouraged any initiative in line those such as today's deployment in Gao of a strong Government delegation, which could help end possible misunderstandings and familiarize the population with the Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation. Such actions would also help with while promote discussion on the ways and means envisaged for implementing the accord, which was signed in June.
