On Sunday morning, UN peacekeepers were once again targeted in Mali by those wishing to sow fear and division. The terrorist attack on a UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSMA) camp in northern Mali caused the deaths of several soldiers from the Chadian contingent and left dozens injured.

The European Union extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, to Chad, to Mali and to the United Nations, and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery. This attack is also an assault on the entire international community. Those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted.

We reassert our full support for those working to restore peace in Mali, including MINUSMA and Operation Barkhane. The European Union will continue to work alongside Mali to that end as well as with the other countries of the Sahel G5 - some of whom have recently been attacked - to curb terrorism and to allow people to live in safety and harmony. The recent resumption of operations by the Joint Force, which the European Union wholeheartedly supports, is a positive development in this regard.