Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Mali

April 04, 2012 The Secretary-General welcomes the Security Council's strong condemnation of the forcible seizure of power in Mali and its renewed call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule in the country. This is a firm and clear message that should be heeded without delay. The Secretary-General also joins the Council in demanding that the rebels, who are conducting attacks, looting and seizure of territory in the north of Mali, cease all violence and seek a peaceful solution through political dialogue.

The Secretary-General has continued his engagement with regional and other leaders on the situation in Mali, holding conversations with the Presidents of Mauritania and Niger, the Foreign Minister of Algeria as well as with President Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire, Chairman of ECOWAS, President Compaoré of Burkina Faso, the ECOWAS appointed Mediator on Mali, and Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The Secretary-General reaffirmed his support for regional efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crises in Mali aimed at ending the rebellion and restoring constitutional order and the country's territorial integrity. The Secretary-General also renewed his concern over the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel which contributes to the destabilization of the region and urged regional leaders to continue to work together and with the wider international community to combat this scourge.