In a statement issued by his spokesperson in new York, the UN chief expressed his sincere condolences to the Government of Mali and the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded victims of this attack, in which, according to media reports, armed gunmen stormed the hotel in the Malian capital, killing at least 20 people and trapping dozens in the building for hours.

The Secretary-General, in his statement, noted with concern that these attacks are taking place at a time when the peace process is making good progress and the signatory groups to the Agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali, in particular the Coordination desMouvements de l'Azawad and the Plateforme, were in Bamako to attend the sixth meeting of the Comité de suivi de l'Accord (CSA) with the Malian Government and international partners.

“The Secretary-General deplores any attempt to derail the implementation of the Agreement,” said the statement, adding that Ban expressed his full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist and extremist groups.

He also welcomed the statements of the signatory parties to the Agreement that they remain committed to its implementation.