A vehicle transporting troops of the Nigerien contingent of the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), on Sunday drove on a landmine in the northern region of Gao, leaving six soldiers injured in the explosion, three of them critically, a UN source has announced.The incident occurred on the road between Ansongo and Menaka, MINUSMA said, renewing its call to all stakeholders in the peace process already underway to be proactive in preventing attacks on UN peacekeepers.
As stated by corroborating details from various sources, Northern Mali, especially the Gao and Timbuktu regions have for the past ten days been mired in a wave of violence including kidnappings, attacks and fighting between armed factions.
These incidents take place a few days ahead of a crucial round of peace talks between the government in Bamako and the armed movements, which have moved to distinguish themselves from terrorist organizations and criminals.
This last phase of the negotiations to be held in January should in principle lead to the signing of a pre-agreement ahead of a final peace deal, the signing of which is slated to take place in the Malian capital Bamako.
Star Africa News