MINUSMA

The peace process in Mali is “back on track” said the head of the country’s UN mission – MINUSMA - on Tuesday.

But Mongi Hamdi, told a Security Council meeting that regular violations of the ceasefire in recent months meant the path to peace was littered with obstacles.

A peace agreement between the government, armed militant groups supporting it, and a rebel coalition in the north, was signed on June 20 this year.

Mali has experienced an “historic” event with the recent signing of a peace agreement by all warring parties in the country.

That’s according to Mongi Hamdi, the Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the West African country, MINUSMA.

He was in New York to brief the United Nations Security Council on the recent development which he says will bring unity and sovereignty to the nation.

May Yaacoub caught up with Mr Hamdi and began by asking him to describe the importance of the Peace Accord.

A peace deal could be agreed in Mali “by the end of the week” according to the Force Commander of the UN Mission in the country, MINUSMA.

A coup d’état in the West African country in early 2012 continues to breed instability and violence.

UN peacekeepers have been targeted in some of the violence with 37 losing their lives and more than 200 wounded.