Donors' Conference on Mali in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The African Union (AU) has achieved a major step in the resolution of the crisis in Mali by raising on 29 January 2013, over 453 million USD aimed at bridging the funding gap to expedite the deployment of African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). The funds raised will also contribute to enhance the capacities and training of the Malian Defence and Security Forces (MDSF). In this regard, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamani Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission called on all Member States, the International Community and partners to contribute to the established Trust Fund in a «spirit of shared responsibility, to generously respond to Mali’s call for assistance ». In the same spirit of brotherhood and pan Africanism, the Assembly of the Union had pledged as a start, during the just concluded 20th AU Summit an amount of 50 million dollars for the swift deployment of AFISMA.
The Donors’ Conference emphasized on of the importance to restore rule of law and territorial integrity of Mali. Unanimously, speakers at the Conference strongly condemned terrorists and rebels armed groups destabilising Mali as well as the destruction of the world heritage monuments. They also stressed the need to take into account the needs of the huge numbers of displaced persons and refugees affected by the conflict.
While looking for ways and means to rapidly deploy AFISMA so as to stabilize and secure areas liberated by the “Serval Operation” jointly with the MDSF, the Donors’ Conference also insisted on the need to put in place appropriate mechanisms and institutions to avoid relapses and fight terrorism in a sustainable manner. Indeed, as recalled by Mr. Dioncounda Traoré, Interim President of Mali, terrorism is not a Malian problem solely; it has contaminated the whole Sahel Region and is now a global threat. There is therefore need to unite behind Mali against the fight of terrorism and fundamentalism. Mr. Alassane Ouattara, Chairperson of ECOWAS and President of Cote d’Ivoire, said in this regard, though Africa is on the right path, the war might be long and costly, hence the need to continuously support to Mali.
The Donors’ Conference adopted a communiqué (available soon at www.au.int) including recommendations on the way forward.
In his final address, President Dioncounda Traoré welcomed the efforts led by the AU against international criminality and trafficking. He hoped that by 31 July2013, Mali will organize free, fair and credible elections.
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