Mali Satisfied With Conclusions of ECOWAS Technical Assessment Mission

18 July 2012
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Economic Community of West African States (Abuja)
press release

Bamako - Mali — The Malian Prime Minister, Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the just-concluded Technical Assessment Mission (TAM) to Mali, made up of personnel from ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations. While receiving members of the mission who presented their report to him on 18th July, 2012 in Bamako, Dr. Diarra congratulated the team for reaching consensus-based conclusions in their meetings with Malian military authorities.

He welcomed the solidarity shown by ECOWAS towards the people of Mali and suggested guidelines for the deepening cooperation, and the development of a time-table for the deployment of the planned ECOWAS Mission in Mali (MICEMA). "In the past, our army participated in military operations in some countries of the region and today Mali needs the support of ECOWAS," the Prime Minister said. "It is commendable that our West African brothers are working with the Malian army with a view to retaking Northern Mali."

At a meeting with the Team, the Malian Minister of Defence and War veterans, Colonel Yamoussa Camara, expressed the hope that the mission's proposals would lead to a road map for the restoration of Mali's national unity and territorial integrity. MICEMA is expected to provide security for the authorities and transitional institutions; contribute to capacity building of Malian defence and security forces and support the retaking of Northern of Mali from rebel groups, he said, applauding the consensus that characterised the interactions between the team and Mali's officials.

The team also met with the Special Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Mali, Mr. Aboudou Toure Cheaka, who used the opportunity to thank the Malian government, the defence minister and the Chief of General Staff, Colonel Ibrahim Dahirou Dembele, for facilitating the mission.

He said the ground had been prepared for the deployment of ECOWAS Standby Force in Mali, adding that the next step was for the Malian government to make an official request for the deployment. "The request is now being awaited," he reaffirmed. The visit of the Technical Assessment Mission followed the decision of the 41st ordinary session of the ECOWAS of Heads of State and Government held on 29th June 2012 in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire. The mission led by Brig-Gen.

Hassan Lai, Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, met with the Malian military authorities on the modalities for collaboration between the country's Armed Forces and MICEMA. Members also visited institutions and facilities in Bamako essential for the planned deployment of MICEMA, and met with the Malian political administrative authorities, representatives of international organizations and diplomatic missions, as well as humanitarian and non-governmental organizations operating in Northern Mali.

Read the original article on Ecowas.

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