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Mali: MINUSMA to investigate human rights violations in Kidal

Bamako, Mali (PANA) – The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is to investigate human rights violations perpetrated in the recent bloody clashes in the Malian northern city of Kidal (1,600 km from Bamako) between the Malian army and the armed groups, PANA reported Thursday, quoting a MINUSMA press statement issued here.

The UN multidimensional mission for Mali stability (MINUSMA) has since 23 May and this for ten days deployed a mission to establish the facts on

"The truth must be established on allegations of serious human rights violations perpetrated in Kidal. Other allegations on the violation of the humanitarian law in Menaka, Ansongo and Gao are currently being investigated," said the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Mali, Bert Koenders.

On 24 May, specialists from the Department of human rights in MINUSMA visited the detention camps of the National movement for Azawad liberation (MNLA) and the high council for Azawad unity (HCUA) when they interviewed 44 members of the armed and security forces, including 32 detainees -- 4 soldiers, 24 policemen, a gendarme, a national guard and 12 others.

“The respect of human rights for all people put in any form of detention must be guaranteed. We continue making efforts so that all those people are released as soon as possible”, concluded Koenders.

The UN mission includes specialists from the Department of human rights backed by the UN police (UNPOL).

On 17-21 May, bloody clashes were reported between the armed groups and the Malian army, leaving several victims dead and many other injured on both sides.

Several Malian soldiers have been taken prisoners by the armed groups who killed 8 civilians, including six prefects and sub-prefects in the region of Kidal.

The clashes occurred during the visit (17-18 May) of the Malian Prime minister, Mouassa Mara, to Kidal see for himself the return of the Malian authority in that locality.

The armed groups, under the aegis of the MNLA, were opposed to the Prime minister’s visit to Kidal, an area they regard as their stronghold.
-0- PANA GT/IS/MSA/VAO 29May2014