UN: Fighting in Mali displaces over 200,000 since January

[News_Editor]

UN: Fighting in Mali displaces over 200,000 since January

2012-04-05 17:01:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday called on all parties in Mali to allow access to aid organizations in order to provide assistance to the hundreds of thousands of civilians who are in need of help.

Renegade soldiers took control of Mali late last month when they attacked the presidential palace, state television and military barracks in the capital Bamako. Within hours, the soldiers - led by Captain Amadou Sanogo - declared they had overthrown the government of President Amadou Toumani Touré, forcing him into hiding.

The coup d'état followed weeks of protests at the government's handling of a nomad-led rebellion by Tuareg rebels in the country's north, forcing more than 200,000 people to flee their homes. The renegade soldiers had demanded more weapons and resources for their campaign against the rebels and they were dissatisfied with what they perceived as a lack of government support for the army.

A majority of the more than 200,000 people have fled to seek safety in neighboring countries, but some 93,000 people are believed to be internally displaced and in need of help.

U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, spoke at the UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, calling on all parties involved "to allow timely, safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to civilians in need."

The UN Security Council also called for 'an increased mobilization' of the international community to support humanitarian efforts in the country while commending the efforts of the humanitarian organizations involved. Members of the 15-member body also reiterated their earlier condemnation of the seizure of power, as well as their call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule and the democratically-elected government.

"The Council expects the mutineers to take immediate steps to effectively implement this commitment and will follow developments closely," the members said in a statement. The renegade soldiers, who formed the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State, closed the country's border following the coup.

The 15-member body also said it is alarmed by the presence of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in the region, noting that the group could further destabilize the security situation in the country. The group of countries also reaffirmed the need to uphold Mali's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this week, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) urged warring parties to safeguard world heritage site Timbuktu after reports that rebels had entered the site. Mali has three other world heritage sites beside Timbuktu: the Old Towns of Djenne, the Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) and the Tomb of Askia.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-04-05

[Steely Dan]

So the Arab spring spreads to Mali, like a plague, and now the population can enjoy 7th century norms being restored by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic not Islamic enough Maghreb.

http://www.telegraph...n-Timbuktu.html

Edited April 6, 2012 by Steely Dan

[Colin Yai]

So the Arab spring spreads to Mali, like a plague, and now the population can enjoy 7th century norms being restored by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic not Islamic enough Maghreb.

http://www.telegraph...n-Timbuktu.html

Cancer like its slowly spreading ,aided in Europe by the leftest appeasers in Norway, Sweden and Denmark who condemn any one who voices their concern and disapproval at what is slowly taking place there ,as alarmists,extremists ,racists, Islamophobics ,Neville Chamberlain would have been justly proud of them. Edited April 6, 2012 by Colin Yai

[trompelemonde]

So what do you suggest - take pre-emptive action and kick them all out of Europe like Ferdinand and Isabella did after the re-conquest of Iberia?

[Steely Dan]

So what do you suggest - take pre-emptive action and kick them all out of Europe like Ferdinand and Isabella did after the re-conquest of Iberia?

It's a difficult question, too late for preemptive action. In Mali it is simple, they should be eliminated with great gusto, probably by African union troops if Mali is currently not up to the job itself, alas if current form is anything to go by we'll get a NATO intervention in order to put the Islamists in charge.

[Colin Yai]

So what do you suggest - take pre-emptive action and kick them all out of Europe like Ferdinand and Isabella did after the re-conquest of Iberia?

Thank you for your reply, but I am not suggesting anything,cos mine is but a cry in the wilderness ,just observing and writing the simple truth as I see it of what is slowly transpiring pure and simple,but of course if you disagree with my opinion about the rising tide of Islamic radicalism in Europe (and in Africa too) and all the many problems that are arising because of it just say so ,I am sure there are many members who are curious to read your views as to whether you approve or disapprove of what is currently taking place in Mali and the 3 European Country's I mention? Edited April 6, 2012 by Colin Yai