Mushikiwabo, Coulibaly discuss Mali crisis

Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs Tieman Coulibaly

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hon. Louise Mushikiwabo, received her counterpart of the Republic of Mali, Minister Tieman Coulibaly in Kigali and their talks focused on the current crisis in Mali as well as the ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Mali.

The Malian Minister appreciated Rwanda’s contribution to the process of stabilizing Mali, especially through the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He also commended Rwanda’s leadership and achievement in the last two decades.

The Minister delivered the appreciations from the President of the Republic of Mali, Diankounda Traore  to his Rwandan counterpart H.E. President Paul Kagame on a ‘clear position’ on Mali’s crisis he expressed at the recent African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

“Looking at political angle, the contribution of Rwanda is extremely important for Rwanda, Mali and Africa. Mali can learn a lot from Rwanda’s achievement and leadership” said Coulibaly.

On the crisis in his country, he said that Mali has been facing ‘strong terrorism in the North’ aiming at destroying the Nation, its civilization and unity and called upon the World ‘support.

“We want to form a world of coalition to help Mali save its territory and unity. We want Rwanda during the next Chairmanship at UN Security Council to reinforce peace mechanism in Mali and continue to eradicate terrorism so that we can restore our Republic.”

Mushikiwabo pledged Rwanda’s continued support especially through her chairmanship of the Security Council next month, through which Rwanda will have Africa’s interest as a priority.

“At the UN Security Council, we will be Mali’s voice,” said and mentioned the continued sharing of information on the status of the crisis since it is a ‘situation which changes every day.

Regarding the bilateral ties, the Minister of Mali acknowledged having received information on the allegedly freedom accredited to Genocide convicts detained in Mali and pledged carrying out investigation and solve the matter as soon as possible.

“It will be my personal task to get things where they must be. Mali is committed to the international law. We will do what we must do.”

Mali has been facing threats of armed groups in the North of the country and recently had the intervention of the French army to stop the advance of the terrorist groups. A UN Mission to stabilize the country is currently under discussion.