“We are saddened to receive the news that four MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) peacekeepers from Cote D’Ivoire lost their lives and a further five wounded in a terrorist attack in Timbuktu Region of Mali,” the Ministry said.

“We condemn this terrorist attack. We extend our sincere condolences to the friendly and brotherly people and Government of Cote d’Ivoire as well as to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Ministry added.

MINUSMA was established in 2013, after armed groups took control of major towns in the country’s north the year before. 

Since then, the security situation in Mali – a country roughly the combined size of France, Germany and the UK – has improved owing to efforts of the UN Mission, national security forces and international partners.

However, attacks against civilians and peacekeepers continue, and MINUSMA remains the most dangerous UN operation in the world. 

As of December 2020, it suffered 231 fatalities among its civilian and uniformed personnel, of which 134 were the result of malicious acts. An additional 358 personnel sustained serious injuries.