UN chief strongly condemns violent demonstrations in Mali

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday strongly condemned violent demonstrations in northern Mali, which resulted in two protesters' deaths.

The UN chief regretted the loss of life and injury during Monday's demonstrations in Kidal in the north of Mali, said a statement of Ban's spokesman. Preliminary information showed two protesters died and several were injured, it said.

Besides sending his sincere condolences to the families of those who have died, Ban is committed to establishing the facts surrounding the loss of life and injury, it said.

Ban also regretted the unacceptable damage to the Kidal airfield, "a crucial asset for the delivery of services and support to the people in the region including by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)," it said.

The statement also called for a return to calm and order in the area, which would facilitate a resumption of the functioning of the airfield in Kidal and promote common efforts in support of a peace agreement.

The peace agreement, signed between the Mali government and rebel groups in 2015, allows greater autonomy to the unstable northern region of Mali in a bid to prevent future uprisings. Endit