(ANS – Bamako) – The Mission Procure of Madrid has issued an appeal on the critical situation which Mali is living through in these days, because of the instability due to the conflicts which broke out in the North of the country during the first days of April. In addition to the uncertain socio-political situation, there is a drought and a food shortage and a worrying alarm about the recruitment of youngsters.

A week ago the Tuareg rebels proclaimed the independence of the North of Mali.  In fact, however, in vast zones power is in the hands of the Islamic movement Ansar Dine, which controls all the main cities of the region, including  Timbuktu . According to the AFP there are 21 hostages held in the Sahel region. The NGOs engaged in humanitarian projects have suspended their operations.

The Procure of Madrid reports: “Dozens of trucks, each carrying over 150 people, arrive in Bamako every day.  There are hundreds of people arriving  from the North because of the conflict and the famine.”  The  international agencies estimate that over 200,000 people have left their homes.

The report states:  “In the North the situation is critical. A humanitarian corridor is needed to help the people.”  The refugees speak of atrocities carried out in the North: the burning of houses, crops…

In  Bamako the Salesians have started classes in the professional school and the majority of the students are taking part actively. Only a few are missing because of lack of transport or financial problems.

There is a strong patriotic feeling among the population and young people, who want to recover the North. The army is recruiting the young  to fight. After two weeks of training they leave for the North of the country.

Published 18/04/2012