(ANS – Bamako) – “There has been a full-blown coup. Parliament has been dissolved , the Constitution suspended and various institutions. The army is in control of the radio and the television,” Salesian missionaries in Bamako, the capital report. This is the first information from Mali since the coup on Wednesday 21 March. Fr Faustino García Peña, Superior of the Vice Province of French-speaking West Africa  to which Salesian Mali belongs is in constant communication with the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, to whom he is offering support and encouragement.

Triggering the revolt was a visit by the Defence Minister Hon. Sadio Gamassa, to one of the largest slum areas in the country. Gamassa had gone there for discussions with the troops went onto the streets and seized government buildings.

The army entered the Presidential Palace “but the President was elsewhere. The people are calm. There are concerns obviously and people are worried but there is no street fighting” the missionaries add. “We heard firing during the night but it was directed at the people.”  In addition, “the people are supporting the army. They are tired of the lies and the way the conflict against the Tuaregs in the north of the country is being handled” they explain.

At Church level, there is some doubt about the annual Lent procession which was planned for next Sunday, 25 March, in which many young people usually take part. Salesian missionaries have been working in Mali since 1985. The Salesian missions are engaged in training the young and disadvantaged children, with schools, youth centres, reception centres... which every day offer help to thousands of children and are looking to the future with hope.

Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have received messages of support and encouragement at this time of national political uncertainty. 

Published 23/03/2012