The United Nations has extended by one year its sanction period against armed groups that are undermining the implementation of the peace deal signed between the Malian government and the Coordination des mouvements de l'Azawad in 2015. This was announced last week by Anne Gueguen (picture), France's Deputy Ambassador to the international organization.

The measure comes after the UN added last July five new names to the list of people subject to a travel ban. Two years after the Algiers Agreement was inked, the United Nations established a sanctions regime in 2017 to accelerate its implementation. While the peace keeping process in the country is still undermined by insecurity fueled by inter-community conflicts and jihadist groups, the institution notes some improvements.

“These sanctions have made it possible to change the behavior of some people in Mali. They have also contributed to progress in the implementation of the peace agreement,” Anne Gueguen said.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou