Ban Ki-moon vows to support efforts for peace and stability in Mali

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spoken for the first time with Mali’s new President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, offering the Organization’s continued support to the political process in the country.

In a telephone conversation yesterday, Mr. Ban welcomed the peaceful manner in which the elections were conducted and offered support for the implementation of the 19 June Preliminary Agreement between the Government and northern armed groups.

“The Secretary-General pledged the support of the United Nations to the Government of Mali in its efforts to address the root causes of the crisis, including through dialogue and reconciliation,” his spokesperson said.

The 28 July election – as well as the run-off on 11 August – was seen as an important step on the path to recovery for Mali. Since early 2012, the country has witnessed a military coup d’état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.