Malian archbishop calls for humanitarian aid

(Vatican Radio) As French forces continue their airstrikes against Islamist militants in northern Mali, Catholic Church officials in the western African country are calling for international humanitarian aid for those displaced by the conflict.

The archbishop of Bamako in Mali is appealing for humanitarian aid from the international community for the thousands of Malians displaced due to the ongoing violence in the country.
In a press release, Archbishop Jean Zerbo says the need for food, drinking water, hygiene kits and medicine will only increase as the conflict continues.

Islamic militants took control of northern Mali and began their advance to the south about nine months ago. French and African forces have combined their efforts to stop the militants’ advance; French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed on Sunday that France will continue to launch its airstrikes.

Media reports say the violence has led about 400,000 people to flee their homes to southern Mali and neighbouring countries.

But officials at Caritas Mali say they have not been able to gauge the actual numbers since communication is difficult in general, and communication with those in the combat zone is cut off altogether.

Aly Mana, a consultant with Caritas Mali, explains: “We can’t tell you how many people are affected by the situation. But it is a difficult situation now to collect information, we do not have connection with any fighting fields. We know simply that many families are desperate.”

Mana says Caritas Mali agrees with Archbishop Zerbo’s call for the creation of a humanitarian corridor in order to channel aid to the combat area, where the situation is urgent as Malians, who are unable to get out, suffer hunger and cold.

Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci: