Mediators in Mali’s peace process have called for an emergency session of the Joint Technical Security Commission of the Algiers mediation process to discuss rising tension in Northern Mali, a statement from the mediation team indicated on Wednesday. 
“The mediation team is closely following the recent developments in Menaka (within Gao region) and in areas near Timbuktu,” the statement released in Bamako said.
The statement noted that the mediators were “extremely concerned by the prevailing tensed climate and insecurity in the said zones.”
In order to assess these developments which may not promote the necessary peace at this stage of the peace process, the international mediation team “has recommended the holding of an emergency session of the Joint Technical Security Commission to take measures that will help to restore peace.”
The meeting will be used to remind all parties of their commitment for peace and the need to uphold the Ceasefire Agreement signed on May 23, 2014, the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities signed in Algiers on July 24, 2014 and the Algiers Declaration signed on Feb. 19, 2015.
At the same time, the mediators have urged all concerned parties to promote the establishment of conditions that will be ideal for the signing of a final peace agreement.
In the statement, the mediators called for “immediate cessation of hostilities, and equally urged the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to take necessary measures to protect the civilian population.”
The mediator’s appeal was made following Monday’s clashes that saw Gatia self-defense militia (a loyalist group) capture Menaka town from its rivals and Tuesday’s firing at MINUSMA vehicles near Timbuktu, a northern Mali region.
On his part, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and head of MINUSMA, Mongo Hamdi, has expressed his deep concerns “on the impact of recent events on the peace process.’
“MINUSMA teams on the ground and in Bamako are totally engaged to halt the escalation of the tension,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
