The Italian Ambassador to Mali, Stefano A. Dejak, participated today, together with the Minister for Food Security, Redouane ag Mohamed Ali, in the delivery of a batch of food items to the orphanages of Bamako, Koutiala and Douentza: this was announced in a statement by the Italian Embassy in Bamako. This delivery is part of the project 'Regional emergency initiative in favour of the populations affected by the humanitarian crisis in Mali and Senegal' for a total of EUR 4.1 million financed by Italy through the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, whose representation was ensured on this occasion by the director of the regional AICS, Giovanni Grandi.
The project identified in Mali in particular the need to assist the children most affected by the humanitarian crisis, victims of the absence of parents due to the ongoing conflicts in the centre of the country against jihadist groups such as the
qaedist 'Support Group for Islam and Muslims' (Jnim) or the Islamic State in the Sahara. These groups are also mentioned in the latest 'Global terrorist index' as being responsible for the largest extremist massacres in the world in the central regions of Mali, such as Douentza and Koutiala.
The Malian government's Minister for Food Security, Redouane ag Mohamed Ali, sincerely thanked Italy for the emergency food assistance, of which the lot delivered today to the orphanages of Bamako, Koutiala and Douentza is a part, but also for the parallel job creation projects, such as the 10 million euro 'Brigades Vertes' agricultural project underway in the Kayes region, which aim to ensure food security and jobs at the same time. Ambassador Dejak recalled that today's delivery of food is part of Italy's broader commitment in Mali to food security, rural and environmental development, support for renewable energy, education and private sector development.
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