The SI Council recognised the progress made in Mali during the five-year term of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, recalling that he was elected at a time when the country was in a multi-dimensional crisis. This had seen the Malian state collapse following an invasion of the northern regions by rebel and jihadist forces, and a military coup d'état.
Over the last five years, the government of Mali has addressed the priorities of peace and reconciliation by concluding a treaty with armed rebel groups, increased the strength of security forces in the fight against terrorism, revived the economy, promoted gender equality and the participation of women in society, increased the living conditions of Malians, and reduced poverty.
The SI Council expresses its wholehearted support for President Keita as he stands for re-election on 29 July 2018. The Council has full confidence in the measures put in place by the Malian government to ensure the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, including the adoption of a new electoral law in April with the support of both the majority and the opposition.
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