UN urges speedy implementation of Mali peace deal

A United Nations Security Council delegation on Sunday appealed for speedy implementation of Mali's peace agreement, which was signed last year, and acceleration of the country's reconciliation process.

The delegation concluded its two-day visit to Bamako, Mali on Sunday, led by Angola's representative in the UN Security Council, Gaspar Martins.

"We came here to directly engage with stakeholders so that we can be able to help parties make a decisive step towards peace. There is need to advance the implementation of the peace agreement," said Martins.

France's representative in the UN Security Council, Francois Delattre, added the visit was meant to "accelerate the national reconciliation process and create favourable conditions for fighting against terrorism."

Delattre said the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, had a "more robust mandate" among all the peacekeeping missions across the world.

However, according to Fode Seck, Senegal's ambassador to the UN Security Council, "this mandate is not adapted to the prevailing situation."

"Given what we have heard during our discussions with various actors in Bamako and what we have seen on the ground, we shall discuss re-adjustment of this mandate," Seck said.

While meeting the UN delegation on Sunday, Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita reaffirmed his willingness to implement the peace agreement signed last year.

During its visit, the delegation met with leaders of the ruling party and the opposition, heads of former rebel groups and international mediators in the Mali crisis.

After leaving Mali, the delegation is expected to visit Guinea Bissau and Senegal. Endit