Statement and Commissioner Neven Mimica, on the signature of the Malian Peace agreement
Today's signature by all parties of a Peace Agreement in Mali is an important further step forward in the long process of rebuilding mutual trust and confidence. This peace deal will contribute to restoring stability and security, help improve the living conditions of the population and pave the way for national reconciliation.
The remarkable efforts from signing parties during the negotiations contributed to a successful outcome in the interest of Mali and the region. The European Union has been working together with Algeria which has led the mediation, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Niger and Nigerian towards the finalisation of the peace deal.
All parties have now to deliver on their obligations, first and foremost respecting the fragile ceasefire to which all the armed groups have committed themselves. It is equally important that the Malian government takes the lead in the reconciliation process. The successful implementation of the agreement will also depend on the reforms launched, notably in the sectors of decentralisation, justice and education, as well as fighting corruption and impunity.
The peace agreement entails also commitments for the members of the Mediation, including the EU, and foresees the involvement of the UNSC members in the Follow-up Committee. The MINUSMA - with a renewed mandate - will have a leading and specific role in the implementation of the peace agreement and will have our full support. The EU is ready to participate actively, in particular on development issues, as well as regarding Security Sector Reform through the CSDP missions already deployed in Mali.
The EU and Mali's government have agreed to work on priority areas over the next 6 years - peace consolidation and state reform; food security and rural development; education and infrastructure - which are fully in line with the peace deal. The EU will remain ready to mobilise all available instruments at its disposal that will contribute to strengthen peace and stability for the population of the country.
Background
The EU mobilised €615 million for the National Indicative Programme to Mali over the 2014-2020 period. €300 million of the €615 million budget are expected to be committed by the end of the year. This includes a direct contribution to the state budget (€230 million), a project to support food security in the North (€30 million), a project to support quality and access to Education (€20 million) and a project aimed at creating jobs for youth (€20 million).
STATEMENT/15/5239
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