The EU Tuesday strongly condemned the latest attack in the Gao region of Mali against the peacekeepers of MINUSMA (The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) in which nine Nigerians lost their lives.
"We salute the courage of the MINUSMA soldiers including Chadians and Nigerians, who have been the target of several attacks in recent weeks," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, in a statement.
"The attacks against the MINUSMA constitute a grave violation of international law. The armed groups operating in northern Mali have confirmed several times, the last time in Algiers on September 16, their commitment to cooperate with the UN mission to prevent hostile acts against them," he noted.
"While negotiations are underway with the support of the international community, including the active participation of the European Union as a mediator, all parties must ensure that the cease-fire will be respected and prevent any act that would seek to block this process, he said.
The MINUSMA should be in position to react and fight against these attacks whose perpetrators should be punished, added Mann.