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MINUSMA withdraws document at center of protests in Mali

Xinhua, January 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has withdrawn a document signed last Saturday with armed groups, and which had caused violent protests in the town of Gao, the mission's deputy special representative Arnauld Akoudjenou said late Tuesday.

The violent protests in Gao had left three people dead and over seven others injured.

"Given the controversy generated by this document, there is no need to implement its contents. Other measures will be sought in consultation with different stakeholders," he affirmed.

For several days, rival armed groups had been clashing in Tabankort locality in northern Mali.

The clashes were mainly between Touareg self-defense militia groups and on the other part, the coordination of rebel groups comprised of High Council for the Unity of Azawad, National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Azawad Arab Movement.

"After the outbreak of fighting in Tabankort, talks took place between rival armed groups for a cease-fire and withdrawal from the zone. A document titled 'Agreement for Establishment of a Temporary Security Zone' was signed on Jan. 24 in Kidal between MINUSMA and MNLA with its allies," Akoudjenou recalled, arguing that the document had been used by some parties for "ulterior motives."

"It must be noted that this document was not an agreement and did not have any legal status," MINUSMA's deputy head David Gressly said, adding that "the document had been manipulated with an MNLA flag on the latter's published version."

The document was therefore interpreted by locals as MINUSMA expressing support for MNLA, hence the two-day protests that rocked Gao from Monday.

"Three of our police officers were injured in the skirmishes that ensued," said Abdounasir Awale, head of MINUSMA's police unit.

A statement issued by the Malian government hailed MINUSMA's decision to withdraw the controversial document and urged the UN mission "to continue being inclusive in consolidation of the cease- fire and peace." Endi