Showing posts with label sevare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sevare. Show all posts
Sunday, May 29, 2016
In Mali 5 More Peacekeepers Killed Near Sevare, Ladsous No Answers, Waiting for Ban Ki-moon
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, May 29 -- On the UN's day for peacekeepers, about which DPKO chief Herve Ladsous refused to answer questions from the Press, five more UN peacekeeper have been killed in Mali. The UN mission MINUSMA issued this statement, in French, fast translated by InnerCityPro.com:
“This morning at11 am, a MINUSMA convoy was attacked 30 kilometers west of Sevare, on the Tenenkou - Sevare axis. Pursuant to preliminary information, five peacekeepers have been killed. Another has been gravely wounded and his evacuation is underway.
“I condemn in the strongest terms this abject crimes which is added to other terrorist acts directed at our peacekeepers which constitute crimes against humanity under international law,” the head of MISUSMA Mahamat Saleh Annadif said. “This odious act of terrorism is even more revolting because perpetrated during the International Day of Peacekeepers.”
“Annadif called for the identification of those responsible for these crimes against the friends of Mali and the Armed and Security Forces of Mali which on May 27 suffered the loss of five members. He underlined that that MINUSMA is more engaged than ever in pursuing its mission of support to Mali and its people.”
This occurs while Ban Ki-moon is on a multi-day trip to South Korea, where many view him as preparing to run for the Presidency. In New York, he has evicted the critical Press. See New York Times to May 14, here, to which Ban has not responded.
Back on March 13 in another "friendly fire" incident among UN peacekeepers in Mali, two were dead and another injured. The UN Mission MINUSMA issued a statement, only in French; InnerCityPro.com translated it, below.
"Bamako, le 13 mars 2016 - Hier vers 19h, un tragique incident s’est déroulé dans le camp de la MINUSMA à Tessalit, région de Kidal, lorsqu’un Casque bleu à tiré sur trois de ses collègues.
Deux morts sont à déplorer, un autre a été légèrement blessé.
Le suspect a été arrêté, la sécurité dans le camp a été renforcée, une enquête permettra de déterminer les causes et circonstances exactes de l’incident."
InnerCityPro.com's translation:
“Yesterday near 7 pm, a tragic incident unrolled in the MINUSMA camp in Tesalit, in the Kidal region, when a Peacekeeper fired on three of his colleagues. Two deaths are to be deplored, another was lightly injured. The suspect has been detained, the security of the camp has been reinforced, an investigation will let us determine the exact causes and circumstances of the incident.”
This is the second friendly fire incident in Mali recently; Herve Ladsous' peacekeeping, beyond rapes, is in rapid decay, full of double standards.
Back on Februayr 26 when two UN peacekeepers from Chad were killed in Kidal in northern Mali, the UN in New York made no mention of it. This stands in contrast to announcements in other cases of peacekeepers' death. But this one was "friendly" fire. So, silent.
Inner City Press, after being Banned from the UN for the first three days of the week (BI here, petition here) for having tried to cover in the same UN Press Briefing Room an event it believed relevant to the current UN corruption scandals -- the UN Correspondents Association took money from Ng Lap Seng and gave him a photo op with Ban Ki-moon -- was back in with reduced access on February 26 and asked, UN transcript here:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask about this incident in Mali where one Chadian peacekeeper killed two other peacekeepers. It says that it's based on tensions in their contingent. Is it based on the conditions there? Why didn't you announce it from the podium if two peacekeepers are dead?
Spokesman Dujarric: On the incident, yes, there was a press release issued this morning by the Mission in Kidal. There was a shooting incident in the camp yesterday within the Chadian contingent. One soldier opened fire, killed one of his colleagues. Another one was wounded and later succumbed from his injuries. As for the… the perpetrator was detained and is in custody, and there's an investigation going on.
Inner City Press: I guess I'm asking because there… there… there are even some Security Council or recent Security Council members have said that the conditions for particularly the African contingents in Northern Mali are quite negative. But I also… I repeat the question. Is… is it the norm to… to announce here… not by a press release from Bamako, but here, when peacekeepers are killed, and if so… why didn't that happen in this case?
Spokesman: Well, I'm confirming it now, and as I said, the announcement was made very publicly from the Mission in Kidal… in the Mission in Mali. The conditions for peacekeepers in Mali, especially in the north, are extremely challenging.
Question: Are the conditions… [cross talk]
Spokesman: I'll come back to you. Sherwin?
And after this dodge, a second round:
Inner City Press: what I wanted to know is whether the conditions of the Dutch contingent, which is a part of MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali), are similar or different than those of the Chadian contingent, as I previously asked you about their equipment, their communications equipment, that seem to also be different. So some people look at it and they say it should be one peacekeeping. How do you explain the different… or do you acknowledge or disagree that… [cross talk]
Spokesman: I don't know where the Dutch are stationed. I don't know if they're stationed in Kidal. The issue of equipment, especially sometimes with contingents, they don't come with enough equipment, creates challenges for DPKO (Department of Peacekeeping Operations). I know the Chadians have been on the front lines of the UN's work in Mali, have borne the brunt of some of the violence that we've seen. And I know we and DPKO, everyone, is extremely grateful for what they do. And I'm sure the Mission does whatever they can to ensure that their conditions are acceptable.
Yeah, sure.
Back on January 11 when the UN Security Council heard about Mali it was not from the new UN Envoy to the country, but rather first from UN Peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, who has overseen two-tier peacekeeping in the country and bears responsibility for rapes in Central African Republic.
In Mali, where many UN peacekeepers nearly all of them from Africa have been killed, the Dutch battalion has communications equipment that only contingents from NATO member countries can use, Inner City Press has been exclusively informed.
While the reasoning may be to prevent copying of the technology by others, the result leaves non-NATO troops at increased risk. Belatedly, there is an attempt to procure alternative, non-NATO limited technology.
But this two-tier system, which some even call in context racist, has been allowed by UN Peacekeeping under its boss Herve Ladsous.
Two week ago, Inner City Press asked Ladsous, who usually refuses to answer all Press questions, about the two-tier nature of UN peacekeeping.
On December 2 after a screening of a film about UN Peacekeeping, “Last Station Before Hell,” which portrayed missions in Lebanon, DR Congo and Central African Republic, Inner City Press asked Ladsous why French and other European troops like the Dutch serve alongside but not with UN peacekeepers, in Mali (including Germans and Slovakians now replacing French), Cote d'Ivoire and CAR. The second was for an update on the rape allegations against French and UN peacekeepers in CAR. Video here and embedded below.
Ladsous, who has repeatedly outright refused to answer Inner City Press questions in the UN, did respond to the first question, denying there is a two-tier system and describing what some view as a vestige of colonialism: he listed the UK having a special interest in Sierra Leon, like France has in Mali, and a desire to serve under its own command.
Ladsous pointedly did NOT answer the request for any update on the sexual abuse allegations against Sangaris and MINUSCA, something pointed out afterward by a number of those in attendance at the International Peace Institute.
One also noted this: while Ladsous trumpeted a number of female SRSGs in UN Peacekeeping, only that day one of them, Ellen Loj, was confined to speaking behind closed doors after Ladsous' public speech, and then followed his pattern of no comments to the media afterward, a come-down from her predecessor Hilde Johnson and even her own previous appearances. (Johnson, sources say, pursued the Somalia SRSG post that was given to Michael Keating.)
One of Ladsous two fellow panelists at IPI, Lise Morjé Howard, an Associate Professor of Government, Georgetown University, answered Inner City Press that the French troops are not really peacekeepers but more akin to counter-insurgency forces.
Ladsous called France “the country I know best.” He is listed in UN Dispute Tribunal documents as having tried to fire, then to retaliate against, the whistleblower who revealed the allegations of child rape by French soldiers in CAR.
There's talk, even about the P5, of Ladsous being a liability who shouldn't remain even during Ban Ki-moon's remaining time. His non-answer on sexual abuse on December 2 is particularly noteworthy given his Septembr 11 on-camera linking of the CAR rapes to “R&R,” video here. We'll continue on this.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
UN in Mali Counts Its Five Dead, Ladsous Berated Malians For Not Thanking France
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, August 8 -- When UN Peacekeepers are determined, by the UN itself, to have killed three civilians in Mali by using excessive force, what accountability is there? None - and UN Peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous on April 2 refused to answer questions about his own responsibility. Video here. Vine here.
Now among the victims in Sevare in central Mali are at least five UN-associated personnel, the UN Mission announced on August 8, giving no count of non-UN victims but added that four UN-associated staff were rescued (MINUSMA release below).
On August 7 at the UN's noon briefing Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric if it was true that a UN staff member was killed in an attack in Sevare in Mali, and another taken hostage. From the UN's transcript:
Inner City Press: I was kind of expecting you to have readout on this attack in Mali on the hotel in Sevare. Are… are UN peacekeepers involved in the hotel, what is the status?
Spokesman Dujarric: The information we received from our Mission is that obviously they are aware of these reports of an attack by unknown armed men near the hotel in Sevare, Mopti. The Mission is closely monitoring the events and following up with its office in Mopti, as well as with the Malian authorities. So the situation is ongoing. As soon as they report back to us we be will able to share information with you.
Inner City Press: Actually because the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said that one of its nationals is involved and held hostage. Are there Ukrainians serving with MINUSMA in Sevare?
Spokesman Dujarric: I’m not able to answer that from this podium at this time.
Spokesman Dujarric: The information we received from our Mission is that obviously they are aware of these reports of an attack by unknown armed men near the hotel in Sevare, Mopti. The Mission is closely monitoring the events and following up with its office in Mopti, as well as with the Malian authorities. So the situation is ongoing. As soon as they report back to us we be will able to share information with you.
Inner City Press: Actually because the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said that one of its nationals is involved and held hostage. Are there Ukrainians serving with MINUSMA in Sevare?
Spokesman Dujarric: I’m not able to answer that from this podium at this time.
So Dujarric would not answer "for this podium." But throughout the afternoon of August 7, Dujarric did not answer in any other way. Nor was any statement received from the MINUSMA mission, despite an Inner City Press request and past practice.
Amid increasing reports of the UN staffer's death, allegedly confirmed by MINUSMA - which sent out no announcement -- Inner City Press re-inquired with the spokesperson's office and obtained a hard-copy only statement, re-typed below. Then the UN Spokesperson's Office closed. Ladsous, it seemed, remained on vacation.
On August 8, MINUSMA put this out, yet to be re-sent by the UN spokesperson's office:
"MINUSMA is relieved at the successful conclusion early this morning of the operation carried out by the Malian forces and congratulates them on it.
MINUSMA reiterates its strong condemnation of the despicable terrorist attack that took place in Sévaré and deplores the loss of lives caused by this criminal act. The Mission extends its condolences to the Malian Government and the Malian Armed Forces, as well as to the governments and families of the victims, who include personnel of companies contracted by MINUSMA. It wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
The situation regarding the MINUSMA-associated personnel is as follows:
- Four (4) were rescued at the Hotel Byblos as soon as the operation had ended and were taken to MINUSMA’s office in Sévaré, where they remain while waiting to be transferred to Bamako. They are nationals of South Africa (2), the Russian Federation (1) and Ukraine (1). They are all in good health. The attackers did not detect their presence in the hotel and MINUSMA was in permanent contact with them throughout the attack and until its end.
- Five (5) lost their lives and an inquiry is underway to establish the exact circumstances of their death during the events: one Malian (a driver working for a company contracted by MINUSMA), one Nepalese, one South African and two Ukrainians. Arrangements are in place to take the victims’ bodies to Bamako.
MINUSMA will continue to cooperate and to coordinate its efforts very closely with the Malian authorities as well as with the representatives of the international community in Bamako in the context of the ongoing follow-up operations, including the Malian authorities’ investigations into the attack.
MINUSMA remains determined and dedicated to fulfilling its tasks in the implementation of its mandate in support of Mali, its government and its people."
MINUSMA reiterates its strong condemnation of the despicable terrorist attack that took place in Sévaré and deplores the loss of lives caused by this criminal act. The Mission extends its condolences to the Malian Government and the Malian Armed Forces, as well as to the governments and families of the victims, who include personnel of companies contracted by MINUSMA. It wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
The situation regarding the MINUSMA-associated personnel is as follows:
- Four (4) were rescued at the Hotel Byblos as soon as the operation had ended and were taken to MINUSMA’s office in Sévaré, where they remain while waiting to be transferred to Bamako. They are nationals of South Africa (2), the Russian Federation (1) and Ukraine (1). They are all in good health. The attackers did not detect their presence in the hotel and MINUSMA was in permanent contact with them throughout the attack and until its end.
- Five (5) lost their lives and an inquiry is underway to establish the exact circumstances of their death during the events: one Malian (a driver working for a company contracted by MINUSMA), one Nepalese, one South African and two Ukrainians. Arrangements are in place to take the victims’ bodies to Bamako.
MINUSMA will continue to cooperate and to coordinate its efforts very closely with the Malian authorities as well as with the representatives of the international community in Bamako in the context of the ongoing follow-up operations, including the Malian authorities’ investigations into the attack.
MINUSMA remains determined and dedicated to fulfilling its tasks in the implementation of its mandate in support of Mali, its government and its people."
Rest in peace.
Back on August 3, MINUSMA issued a statement on two separate attacks against Mali's Army and National Guard, which the Free UN Coalition for Access translates here:
“MINUSMA condemns with vigor the cowardly terrorist attacks against the National Army and security forces of Mali by unidentified armed men in the center and north of the country. The first attack targeted the Malian Armed Forces on August 1 in an ambush on the Diabaly-Nampala axis, six kilometers from Toule in the commune of Nampala, in the Segou region. The second attack was carried out early on August 3 against a unit of the National Guard based in Gourma Rharous, 120 kilometers east of Timbuktu.
“MINUSMA extends its condolences to the Government, Army and security forces of Mali as well as to the families of the victims. It wishes for a fast recovery for the wounded. MINUSMA underlines again the urgency of advancing the peace process with the goal of assuring that the government and the parties act together with the support of the population to stop the terrorist threat posed to Mali and its people.”
Back on July 24, after a mortar attack on the UN Peacekeeping camp at Aguelhok that caused no casualties, MINUSMA issued a statement.
One might note: the UN speaks out strongly about a mortar attack on it which caused no damage, while in Burundi as opposition figures and civilians are killed, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon from an undisclosed location called the elections peaceful, and is for now silent on the attack on human rights defender Mbonimmpa.
On July 2, after an attack 45 kilometers from Timbuktu killed six peacekeepers and injured five, MINUSMA issued a statement which the Free UN Coalition for Accesstranslates here:
“This morning around 9 am, a patrol of the MINUSMA forces was the subject of an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the Goundam - Timbuktu axis, some 45 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu. Preliminary reports indicate that six peacekeepers were killed and five more were wounded. Their evacuation is underway. Two MINUSMA vehicles were destroyed.
“This morning around 9 am, a patrol of the MINUSMA forces was the subject of an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the Goundam - Timbuktu axis, some 45 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu. Preliminary reports indicate that six peacekeepers were killed and five more were wounded. Their evacuation is underway. Two MINUSMA vehicles were destroyed.
"Reinforcements from MINUSMA are en route to the site of the attack and attack helicopters have also been deployed from Timbuktu for air support. Mongi Hamdi, the head of MINUSMA, said 'I condemn this new terrorist attack against our Blue Helmets. Those responsible for this crime should be identified and brought to justice without delay.' The chief of MINUSMA extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a fast recovery for the wounded. He recalls that the UN Security Council in Resolution 2227 of June 29, 2015 renewing the mandate of MINUSMA declared itself read to consider sanctions against those who launch attacks against MINUSMA or threatened to do so.”
The reference to attack helicopters is noted.
After his May 16 press conference in Bamako, Ladsoussaid the UN's report about its killings in Gao will never be released; follow up question here. During the press conference, tellingly, Ladsous berated Malians for not sufficiently thanking... France and its Force Serval. Audio here, Minute 27:52.
Ladsous said, referring to criticism of him and his mission by Mali's president and others at the signing ceremony the day before, "Did I hear a single word of thanks for France and its Operation Serval? No." (Translation by Free UN Coalition for Access.)
In this use of his UN post to serve France, for which he was a (most undiplomatic) diplomat for decades, this is similar to Ladsous' much worse intervention into the process of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in trying to get fired OHCHR whistleblower Anders Kompass, who exposed reports of French Sangaris Force soldiers raping children.
This appears in the UN Dispute Tribunal rulingreinstating Kompass, at Paragraph 9. It was not contested by OHCHR. Ladsous, breaking with his striking refusal to answer Press questions, told Inner City Press, "I deny that." Video here.
But Ladsous has not explained or answered what he is denying: getting involved in l'affaire Kompass at all, or just the wording? Ladsous was not asked this question in Bamako.
On May 18, Inner City Press asked the UN's deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq who Ladsous was speaking for:
Inner City Press: Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous of DPKO held a press conference in Bamako over the weekend. There was some criticism, by actually the President of Mali, of the mission. But, I wanted to ask specifically, in his press conference, he said that he sort of chided, he said: Was there even a word of thanks for its operation in Sangaris? No. Isn't that curious? And I wanted to know, in what capacity was he saying that? Is the UN? Does the UN have a position on Malians not being sufficiently grateful to France or was he speaking in some other capacity?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have any real comment. I would just refer you to the text of his statements. And if you have anything further, you can ask our colleagues in peacekeeping.
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have any real comment. I would just refer you to the text of his statements. And if you have anything further, you can ask our colleagues in peacekeeping.
Later on May 18, a well placed African Permanent Representative said "Ladsous should resign."
On May 10, two UN Peacekeepers were wounded in Mopti in Mali, see below.
Now Ladsous is under fire for appearing in a UN Dispute Tribunal ruling as urging the firing of the whistleblower who exposed rapes by French soldiers in the Central African Republic. Ladsous denied it - to Inner City Press - but the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights did not dispute it. Accountability?
Now Ladsous is under fire for appearing in a UN Dispute Tribunal ruling as urging the firing of the whistleblower who exposed rapes by French soldiers in the Central African Republic. Ladsous denied it - to Inner City Press - but the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights did not dispute it. Accountability?
On May 10 "around 1 pm, the forces of MINUSMA on patrols hit a mine or an improvised explosive device 25 kilometers from Tenenkou, in the region of Mopti,” MISUMSA said in a statement.
“Two blue helmets were seriously injured by the explosion and their evacuation to the MINUSMA hospital in Timbuktu was underway, MINUSMA said.
“The head of MINUSMA Mongi Hamdi strongly the attack against the peacekeepers and emphasized that MINUSMA remains more determined than ever to implement its mandate in support of Mali and its people.”
On May 8, the UN announced what the Press already knew, that Mbaranga Gasarabwe, a Rwandan national, is moving from the Department of Safety and Security in New York to become Hamdi's deputy in Mali. We wish her well.
Tellingly, Ladsous refused an invitation to attend a "protection of civilians" high level event in Rwanda in May, click here for that scoop.
Back on April 27 the MINUSMA mission issued a statement that the Platforme group attacked the town of Manaka, loosely translated by Inner City Press below. But how does UN Peacekeeping killing civilians, then its boss refusing to answer or even take questions about it, impact the UN's credibility?
Here is our loose translation of the MINUSMA press release of April 27:
SRSG Mongi Hamdi called for the armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and return to their positions. “This resurgence of tension puts in jeopardy all efforts to restore durable peace in Mali,” Hamdi said. MINUSMA said that on Monday near noon the mission learned of an attack launched by the MAA-Platform and GATIA groups on the town of Menaka, held by elements of the Coordination of Movement of Azawad (CMA). MINUSMA said it deployed helicopters to evaluate the situation.
Hamdi went to Nouakchott on April 26 to meet the representatives of the CMA, who reaffirmed their adherence to the peace process under way, and confirmed their intention to initial the agreement.
“Two months of intense negotiations involving all of the parties with a view to put an end to the Malian crisis could be threatened. These actions are a grave violation of the ceasefire accords reiterated in the declaration of February 19, 2105,” Hamdi said in his statement.
Hamdi also cited the UN Security Council's statement of February 6 which threatened the imposition of targeted sanctions on anyone who returned to hostilities and violated the ceasefire.
“I therefore appeal for calm and reason for the benefit of all Malians. The only solution to this crisis is through the route of dialogue. I remain convinced that all the parties will show wisdom and reason and sign this historic peace agreement,” Hamdi said.
Here's what Inner City Press asked the UN about Darfur on April 27:
Inner City Press: on Darfur, I saw the clarification put out by UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur], but the Government of Sudan is saying that the UNAMID peacekeepers killed seven civilians, and I wonder, what… beyond just UNAMID putting out a press release, some of which in the past have been press releases that the UN has ultimately walked away from, is there an intention to do the type of report that was done in Mali when people were killed or in Haiti when people… when people were shot at?
Deputy Spokesman Frahan haq: On that, I actually expect that we will have a statement from the Spokesman for the Secretary-General responding to the latest events in Darfur. So, I'll wait until… until we get that.
Inner City Press: But, is the protocol if a Member State alleges that UN peacekeepers have killed civilians to do such a report, or is there no such protocol?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said… first of all, I… as you know, you're aware of the press release from UNAMID, which is their clarification of the situation, and then beyond that, we do expect to have a statement attributable to the Spokesperson.
Deputy Spokesman Frahan haq: On that, I actually expect that we will have a statement from the Spokesman for the Secretary-General responding to the latest events in Darfur. So, I'll wait until… until we get that.
Inner City Press: But, is the protocol if a Member State alleges that UN peacekeepers have killed civilians to do such a report, or is there no such protocol?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said… first of all, I… as you know, you're aware of the press release from UNAMID, which is their clarification of the situation, and then beyond that, we do expect to have a statement attributable to the Spokesperson.
But when the statement came it did not even mention the government's allegations. Khartoum's credibility may be low - but what about Ladsous'? We'll have more on this.
Friday, August 7, 2015
UN Silent As Staffer Said Killed in Mali Hotel Attack in Sevare, Ladsous Berated Malians For Not Thanking France
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, August 7 -- When UN Peacekeepers are determined, by the UN itself, to have killed three civilians in Mali by using excessive force, what accountability is there? None - and UN Peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous on April 2 refused to answer questions about his own responsibility. Video here. Vine here.
On August 7 at the UN's noon briefing Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric if it was true that a UN staff member was killed in an attack in Sevare in Mali, and another taken hostage. From the UN's transcript:
Inner City Press: I was kind of expecting you to have readout on this attack in Mali on the hotel in Sevare. Are… are UN peacekeepers involved in the hotel, what is the status?
Spokesman Dujarric: The information we received from our Mission is that obviously they are aware of these reports of an attack by unknown armed men near the hotel in Sevare, Mopti. The Mission is closely monitoring the events and following up with its office in Mopti, as well as with the Malian authorities. So the situation is ongoing. As soon as they report back to us we be will able to share information with you.
Inner City Press: Actually because the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said that one of its nationals is involved and held hostage. Are there Ukrainians serving with MINUSMA in Sevare?
Spokesman Dujarric: I’m not able to answer that from this podium at this time.
Spokesman Dujarric: The information we received from our Mission is that obviously they are aware of these reports of an attack by unknown armed men near the hotel in Sevare, Mopti. The Mission is closely monitoring the events and following up with its office in Mopti, as well as with the Malian authorities. So the situation is ongoing. As soon as they report back to us we be will able to share information with you.
Inner City Press: Actually because the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has said that one of its nationals is involved and held hostage. Are there Ukrainians serving with MINUSMA in Sevare?
Spokesman Dujarric: I’m not able to answer that from this podium at this time.
So Dujarric would not answer "for this podium." But throughout the afternoon of August 7, Dujarric did not answer in any other way. Amid increasing reports of the UN staffer's death, allegedly confirmed by MINUSMA - which sent out no announcement -- Inner City Press re-inquired with the spokesperson's office and obtained a hard-copy only statement, re-typed below. Then the UN Spokesperson's Office closed. Ladsous, it seemed, remained on vacation. Here is the statement:
“Early this morning, unidentified armed men launched an attack on a Malian military site in the town of Sevare, in the Mopti region. The attackers, who were pushed back by the Malian Armed Forces, then took refuge in a hotel in town (Byblos). Confrontation between the attackers and the Malian Armed and Security Forces continued throughout the morning and shots continue to be fired sporadically at the hotel and in its vicinity.
“Available reports indicate that a member of the international personnel associated with MINUSMA was killed in the attack. MINUSMA condemns this despicable attack in the strongest terms. MINUSMA continues to very closely monitor developments and to coordinate its efforts with the Malian authorities and the representatives of the international community and Barkhane.
“At the request of the Malian authorities, MINUSMA has taken measures to ensure the transport of a Malian rapid intervention team from Bamako to Sevare as reinforcements for the national armed and security forces who are on location. This team is accompanied by MINUSMA Police experts who will provide technical support, if necessary. MINUSMA has also reinforced security at the Sevare - Mopti airport and deployed a medical team that is already stationed at the airport to provide any necessary assistance.”
Back on August 3, MINUSMA issued a statement on two separate attacks against Mali's Army and National Guard, which the Free UN Coalition for Access translates here:
“MINUSMA condemns with vigor the cowardly terrorist attacks against the National Army and security forces of Mali by unidentified armed men in the center and north of the country. The first attack targeted the Malian Armed Forces on August 1 in an ambush on the Diabaly-Nampala axis, six kilometers from Toule in the commune of Nampala, in the Segou region. The second attack was carried out early on August 3 against a unit of the National Guard based in Gourma Rharous, 120 kilometers east of Timbuktu.
“MINUSMA extends its condolences to the Government, Army and security forces of Mali as well as to the families of the victims. It wishes for a fast recovery for the wounded. MINUSMA underlines again the urgency of advancing the peace process with the goal of assuring that the government and the parties act together with the support of the population to stop the terrorist threat posed to Mali and its people.”
Back on July 24, after a mortar attack on the UN Peacekeeping camp at Aguelhok that caused no casualties, MINUSMA issued a statement.
One might note: the UN speaks out strongly about a mortar attack on it which caused no damage, while in Burundi as opposition figures and civilians are killed, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon from an undisclosed location called the elections peaceful, and is for now silent on the attack on human rights defender Mbonimmpa.
On July 2, after an attack 45 kilometers from Timbuktu killed six peacekeepers and injured five, MINUSMA issued a statement which the Free UN Coalition for Accesstranslates here:
“This morning around 9 am, a patrol of the MINUSMA forces was the subject of an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the Goundam - Timbuktu axis, some 45 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu. Preliminary reports indicate that six peacekeepers were killed and five more were wounded. Their evacuation is underway. Two MINUSMA vehicles were destroyed.
“This morning around 9 am, a patrol of the MINUSMA forces was the subject of an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the Goundam - Timbuktu axis, some 45 kilometers southwest of Timbuktu. Preliminary reports indicate that six peacekeepers were killed and five more were wounded. Their evacuation is underway. Two MINUSMA vehicles were destroyed.
"Reinforcements from MINUSMA are en route to the site of the attack and attack helicopters have also been deployed from Timbuktu for air support. Mongi Hamdi, the head of MINUSMA, said 'I condemn this new terrorist attack against our Blue Helmets. Those responsible for this crime should be identified and brought to justice without delay.' The chief of MINUSMA extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a fast recovery for the wounded. He recalls that the UN Security Council in Resolution 2227 of June 29, 2015 renewing the mandate of MINUSMA declared itself read to consider sanctions against those who launch attacks against MINUSMA or threatened to do so.”
The reference to attack helicopters is noted.
After his May 16 press conference in Bamako, Ladsoussaid the UN's report about its killings in Gao will never be released; follow up question here. During the press conference, tellingly, Ladsous berated Malians for not sufficiently thanking... France and its Force Serval. Audio here, Minute 27:52.
Ladsous said, referring to criticism of him and his mission by Mali's president and others at the signing ceremony the day before, "Did I hear a single word of thanks for France and its Operation Serval? No." (Translation by Free UN Coalition for Access.)
In this use of his UN post to serve France, for which he was a (most undiplomatic) diplomat for decades, this is similar to Ladsous' much worse intervention into the process of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in trying to get fired OHCHR whistleblower Anders Kompass, who exposed reports of French Sangaris Force soldiers raping children.
This appears in the UN Dispute Tribunal rulingreinstating Kompass, at Paragraph 9. It was not contested by OHCHR. Ladsous, breaking with his striking refusal to answer Press questions, told Inner City Press, "I deny that." Video here.
But Ladsous has not explained or answered what he is denying: getting involved in l'affaire Kompass at all, or just the wording? Ladsous was not asked this question in Bamako.
On May 18, Inner City Press asked the UN's deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq who Ladsous was speaking for:
Inner City Press: Mr. [Hervé] Ladsous of DPKO held a press conference in Bamako over the weekend. There was some criticism, by actually the President of Mali, of the mission. But, I wanted to ask specifically, in his press conference, he said that he sort of chided, he said: Was there even a word of thanks for its operation in Sangaris? No. Isn't that curious? And I wanted to know, in what capacity was he saying that? Is the UN? Does the UN have a position on Malians not being sufficiently grateful to France or was he speaking in some other capacity?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have any real comment. I would just refer you to the text of his statements. And if you have anything further, you can ask our colleagues in peacekeeping.
Deputy Spokesman: I don't have any real comment. I would just refer you to the text of his statements. And if you have anything further, you can ask our colleagues in peacekeeping.
Later on May 18, a well placed African Permanent Representative said "Ladsous should resign."
On May 10, two UN Peacekeepers were wounded in Mopti in Mali, see below.
Now Ladsous is under fire for appearing in a UN Dispute Tribunal ruling as urging the firing of the whistleblower who exposed rapes by French soldiers in the Central African Republic. Ladsous denied it - to Inner City Press - but the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights did not dispute it. Accountability?
Now Ladsous is under fire for appearing in a UN Dispute Tribunal ruling as urging the firing of the whistleblower who exposed rapes by French soldiers in the Central African Republic. Ladsous denied it - to Inner City Press - but the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights did not dispute it. Accountability?
On May 10 "around 1 pm, the forces of MINUSMA on patrols hit a mine or an improvised explosive device 25 kilometers from Tenenkou, in the region of Mopti,” MISUMSA said in a statement.
“Two blue helmets were seriously injured by the explosion and their evacuation to the MINUSMA hospital in Timbuktu was underway, MINUSMA said.
“The head of MINUSMA Mongi Hamdi strongly the attack against the peacekeepers and emphasized that MINUSMA remains more determined than ever to implement its mandate in support of Mali and its people.”
On May 8, the UN announced what the Press already knew, that Mbaranga Gasarabwe, a Rwandan national, is moving from the Department of Safety and Security in New York to become Hamdi's deputy in Mali. We wish her well.
Tellingly, Ladsous refused an invitation to attend a "protection of civilians" high level event in Rwanda in May, click here for that scoop.
Back on April 27 the MINUSMA mission issued a statement that the Platforme group attacked the town of Manaka, loosely translated by Inner City Press below. But how does UN Peacekeeping killing civilians, then its boss refusing to answer or even take questions about it, impact the UN's credibility?
Here is our loose translation of the MINUSMA press release of April 27:
SRSG Mongi Hamdi called for the armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and return to their positions. “This resurgence of tension puts in jeopardy all efforts to restore durable peace in Mali,” Hamdi said. MINUSMA said that on Monday near noon the mission learned of an attack launched by the MAA-Platform and GATIA groups on the town of Menaka, held by elements of the Coordination of Movement of Azawad (CMA). MINUSMA said it deployed helicopters to evaluate the situation.
Hamdi went to Nouakchott on April 26 to meet the representatives of the CMA, who reaffirmed their adherence to the peace process under way, and confirmed their intention to initial the agreement.
“Two months of intense negotiations involving all of the parties with a view to put an end to the Malian crisis could be threatened. These actions are a grave violation of the ceasefire accords reiterated in the declaration of February 19, 2105,” Hamdi said in his statement.
Hamdi also cited the UN Security Council's statement of February 6 which threatened the imposition of targeted sanctions on anyone who returned to hostilities and violated the ceasefire.
“I therefore appeal for calm and reason for the benefit of all Malians. The only solution to this crisis is through the route of dialogue. I remain convinced that all the parties will show wisdom and reason and sign this historic peace agreement,” Hamdi said.
Here's what Inner City Press asked the UN about Darfur on April 27:
Inner City Press: on Darfur, I saw the clarification put out by UNAMID [African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur], but the Government of Sudan is saying that the UNAMID peacekeepers killed seven civilians, and I wonder, what… beyond just UNAMID putting out a press release, some of which in the past have been press releases that the UN has ultimately walked away from, is there an intention to do the type of report that was done in Mali when people were killed or in Haiti when people… when people were shot at?
Deputy Spokesman Frahan haq: On that, I actually expect that we will have a statement from the Spokesman for the Secretary-General responding to the latest events in Darfur. So, I'll wait until… until we get that.
Inner City Press: But, is the protocol if a Member State alleges that UN peacekeepers have killed civilians to do such a report, or is there no such protocol?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said… first of all, I… as you know, you're aware of the press release from UNAMID, which is their clarification of the situation, and then beyond that, we do expect to have a statement attributable to the Spokesperson.
Deputy Spokesman Frahan haq: On that, I actually expect that we will have a statement from the Spokesman for the Secretary-General responding to the latest events in Darfur. So, I'll wait until… until we get that.
Inner City Press: But, is the protocol if a Member State alleges that UN peacekeepers have killed civilians to do such a report, or is there no such protocol?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said… first of all, I… as you know, you're aware of the press release from UNAMID, which is their clarification of the situation, and then beyond that, we do expect to have a statement attributable to the Spokesperson.
But when the statement came it did not even mention the government's allegations. Khartoum's credibility may be low - but what about Ladsous'? We'll have more on this.
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