Off the wire
• Czech arms dealer to sell weapons to Nigeria  • 71 mln benefit from gov't subsistence allowances in China  • Sudden snowfalls cause traffic chaos in Germany  • Russia prepares new economic forecast under harsh situation  • Weather forecast for world cities -- Jan. 30  • 1st Ld Writethru-Roundup: AU summit opens amid calls for gender equality and regional development  • Roundup: KSE ends Jan. on bullish note  • China stresses more anti-corruption efforts in military  • Philippines, MILF forge protocol for decommissioning of rebels following bloody clash  • Chinese premier emphasizes all-round cooperation with Pakistan  
You are here: 　 Home

Mali president calls UN mission in the country "friend of Mali"

Xinhua, January 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said Thursday that the UN Mission for Stabilization of Mali (MINUSMA) "was not an enemy, but a friend of Mali."

Keita was speaking in Gao, in the company of MINUSMA's deputy chief Arnauld Akoudjenou, after protests by the town's residents against MINUSMA, during which three people were killed.

"Do not be influenced by other individuals who do not love our well-being, and those who do not love peace," the president urged Gao residents.

He reiterated that MINUSMA will not leave Mali as doing so would be pleasing terrorists, armed gangs and drug traffickers.

"Self-defense groups are not Malian militia, as has been reported elsewhere. They are dignified citizens of this country who came out to defend themselves when they had been attacked," he added.

On Monday and Tuesday this week, Gao residents organized protests against the agreement that had been signed between MINUSMA and the coordination of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and its allies.

Following the protests, MINUSMA withdrew the document which, according to the UN mission, aimed at ending hostilities between rival armed groups in the northern locality of Tabankort.

The local population organized protests, accusing MINUSMA, despite denial by the latter, of colluding with one party to the conflict without involving the other. Endi