Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation in Mali including reports that civilians have been massacred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15160/19]
View answerOver 160 people were killed and many more injured in an attack on the Peul community in Ogosassagou, Mali, on 23 March. This attack follows increased tensions between the Peul and Dogon communities in the middle of the country and is not thought to be linked to the terrorist attacks of the north. The Malian Government has ordered the disbandment of a local defence militia which may have been responsible. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta visited the village, promising justice and security for remaining inhabitants, against a background of alleged reprisals against Dogons.
The Tánaiste issued a statement on 25 March, expressing his sympathy to those who lost loved ones and calling on the Malian Government to ensure an effective investigation. Ireland will continue to work with our EU partners to support the Government of Mali to ensure that justice is served and to protect civilian populations from inter-ethnic violence and terrorism.
Mali has suffered from conflict and instability since the 2012 outbreak of violence by Northern Tuareg rebel groups, including al-Qaeda linked militants. Terrorist attacks and inter-community violence continue to occur on a regular basis.
Ireland provides defence forces personnel to the EU training mission in Mali as part of our commitment to peace and stability in Mali. In January 2019, the Taoiseach travelled to Mali, accompanied by the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence to meet members of the Irish Defence Forces. The Taoiseach also met with President Keita as part of that visit. Ireland has also seconded a number of civilian experts to the European Union’s Capacity Building Mission and Stabilisation Action in Mali.
Over four million people across Mali are in need of humanitarian assistance. Since 2012, Ireland has contributed over €7 million to address this need, initially through the provision of food assistance. Other interventions in the areas of education in emergencies and child protection have also been funded.
