Bamako,  14 July 2014: Today, 14 July 2014, Mr. Pierre Buyoya, Head of the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), handed over to Mr. Sada Samake, Minister of Interior and Security, a first batch of thirteen vehicles out of twenty donated by the AU to Mali. This donation, valued at one million U.S. dollars, equivalent to 481,642,430 CFA francs, includes thirteen pick-up vans, four ambulances and three trucks.

The donation will contribute to strengthening the capacity of the Malian defense and security forces. In his statement at the occasion, the AU High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, Mr. Buyoya, reiterated AU’s commitment to support the Malian authorities in their efforts towards the restoration of peace and stability in their country.  Security in the Sahel region constitutes one of the three main pillars of the AU Strategy for the Sahel. This includes the promotion of collective security in the region, through the Nouakchott Process, which is an initiative that brings together eleven countries of the Sahel region, including Mali.

Mr. Pierre Buyoya added that "other initiatives were underway with a view to enhancing information exchange among the security and intelligence services of the countries of the region, as well as establishing operational mechanisms to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime".

In addition to the support being rendered to the security sector, MISAHEL and the other relevant AU structures will continue to assist Mali in other equally important areas, such as the inter-Malian inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation.

On his part, Mr. Sada Samake commended the AU for this donation, adding that it was an expression of African and international solidarity with Mali.

Contact:

Ms. Yaye Nabo Sene, Communication Officer

Off. Tel: +223 20 22 18 22 Ext 120

Mob: +223 75 94 12 70

Courriel: seney@africa-union.org or epsilone10@gmail.com

Website: www.peaceau.org

Twitter: @MisahelBamako

Facebook: Misahel Bamako

 

 

African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL)

Hamdallaye ACI 2000

Bamako, Mali P.O. Box 1680

misahel@africaunion.org

Tel: +22320221822 Fax: +223 2022 1815

 

COMMENTS