Mali: Malian government affected by death of Senegalese peacekeeper

Bamako, Mali (PANA) – Touched by Tuesday's killing of a Senegalese soldier who was serving under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the Malian government Thursday said terrorists were using attacks to cause disarray and fear within the UN peacekeeping force.

The Senegalese was killed in a rocket attack that was directed at the camp of UN forces based in the northern Mali region of Kidal.

In a communique that was copied to PANA here, the government expressed dismay that the attack came a day after the funeral of nine Nigerien soldiers, who were also with MINUSMA and killed in a similar terrorist attack.

"It was an act of provocation, perpetrated by terrorists, aiming to spark fear and cause disorder within the MINUSMA," said the communiqué.

According to the communique, the government strongly condemned "the criminal and horrible attack whose fresh outbreak over the past few weeks is undoubtedly linked to the progress made in the Algiers peace talks that should result in a definitive and global peace."

The Malian government has offered "sincere condolences" to the bereaved family as well as to the people and the government of Senegal, and to MINUSMA. It also wished soldiers injured in the attack a speedy recovery.

- 0 - PANA GT/BEH/MSA/AR 9Oct2014