N°: 089/2014
THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) has learnt with deep concern the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation in Kidal, which resulted in several casualties in the night of 17-18 May 2014.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission strongly condemns the deplorable acts of violence in Kidal, which followed the visit of the Malian Prime Minister to the locality. He particularly deplores the unfortunate loss of life and injuries on both sides and presents his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the bereaved families.
The President of the Commission takes this opportunity to reiterate the total commitment of ECOWAS to the 18 June 2013 Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement to the Elections and Inclusive Peace Talks, in particular its core principles relating to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and secular character of the State of Mali. He exhorts all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to seek mutually acceptable sustainable solutions to the crisis through peaceful means.
To this end, the President of the Commission calls on all the Malian stakeholders to return to the spirit of the Ouagadougou Agreement and to work towards the immediate implementation of the Guidelines recently defined by the Malian President, H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, to ensure the effective commencement of inclusive dialogue with the armed groups.