UN Security council urge Mali to implement peace deal

Representatives from the United Nation’s Security Council have called on Mali to implement a peace deal signed in June 2015 by rival factions.

The 15-member delegation visited Mali’s desert North to put its weight in the fight against terrorism which counters the peace agreement.

“We have looked into some of the blockages that are taking place and the evolution of the terrorism groups nearby exploiting some of this, especially the unoccupied youth. The youth needs to be definitely incorporated into the programs,” said Ismael Abraão Gaspar Martins, the Permanent Representative of Angola and Security Council President.

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— Glenn Quagmire ☣ (Angelus1701) March 5, 2016

Delays in implementing the peace deal has led to the strengthening of Jihadists. Islamist militants backed by Al Qaeda still represent the main threat, carrying out a series of attacks. This is despite French forces driving the militants from major urban centres in 2013.

An alliance of armed rebels and the Malian government signed a peace deal last year to end years of conflict under a 2012 uprising after the country fell into a coup.

The UN sent peacekeepers to the country in 2013 to guard against militants.

Northern Mali has struggled for stability since attaining independence in 1960.

The Security Council members met with government officials and religious leaders. The 15-member body is due to have talks with representatives of the armed groups.