Mali: UN strongly condemns ‘despicable’ attack in Mopti region

A Malian woman with her children outside their makeshift shelter on the grounds of a former hotel in Mopti. Fighting forced them to flee their home in northern Mali. Photo: UNHCR/Helen Caux

7 August 2015 – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali has strongly condemned the attack that took place today in the town of Sevaré, in the Mopti region, and led to the death of at least one person.

According to a news release issued by the mission, known as MINUSMA, unidentified armed men launched an attack on a Malian military site in Sevaré early this morning.

The attackers, who were pushed back by the Malian Armed Forces, then took refuge in a hotel in the town, with the confrontation between the attackers and the Malian Forces continuing throughout the morning.

“Available reports indicate that a member of the international personnel associated with MINUSMA was killed in the attack,” said the mission, which condemned this “despicable attack” in the strongest terms.

At the request of the Malian authorities, the mission has taken measures to ensure the transport of a Malian rapid intervention team from the capital, Bamako, to Sevaré as reinforcements for the national armed and security forces who are on location.

The mission has also reinforced security at the Sevaré-Mopti airport and deployed a medical team that is already stationed at the airport to provide any necessary assistance.

Established in 2013, MINUSMA carries out a number of tasks, including ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority in the country.

Source: United Nations

By

Robert Williams

Editor in Chief

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