Regional Defence Chiefs Charged On Successful Transformation of Afisma Into UN Mission in Mali

11 May 2013
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Economic Community of West African States (Abuja)
press release

Abidjan - Cote d'Ivoire — Cote d'Ivoire's Minister in charge of Defence in the office of the President, Mr. Paul Koffi Koffi has urged regional chiefs of defence staff to make recommendations for the seamless transformation of the African-led International Support Force in Mali (AFISMA) into a UN Mission by July 2013 in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2100 of 25th April 2013.

The Resolution requires that AFISMA troops re-hat into a UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Opening a one-day meeting of the sub-committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) in Abidjan on Saturday, 11th May 2013 to consider the modalities for the transformation, the minister said the recommendations should take cognisance of various ramifications to ensure that the force realized its mandate in the country.

He urged the seven-member sub-committee to focus on activities that will facilitate this transformation which is the international community's response to the dynamics of the situation in Mali "as we face the acts of terrorism perpetrated by individuals disturbing International peace, particularly those of the Sahel."

In an earlier speech, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman said the transformation will mark another "milestone in our collective efforts towards seeking a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting Mali which portends a serious threat to the region and the world."

The Commissioner commended the response of the international community to the Mali crisis including the decision to deploy AFISMA, noting that the transformation would face various challenges.

Read the original article on Ecowas.

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