Credit: ml.usembassy.gov /   JE SUIS  MALI  /   U.S.  Solidarity With Mali

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The United States condemned the deadly attack in west Africa nation Mali last Saturday that left more than 150 civilians dead including many women and children.

“The United States is shocked and outraged by reports that over 130 Malians, including women and children, were killed Saturday in the central Malian village of Ogossagou.  We strongly condemn this heinous act, send our condolences to the families of the victims and call for those responsible to be brought to justice.  We call on the Government of Mali and all Malian parties to bring those responsible for both attacks to justice and to make every effort to restore peace and security in central Mali.”

-U.S. Embassy in Mali  statement,  Mar. 25, 2019.

More than 150 ethnic Fulani were killed in the attack on a village in central Mali.  The horrific attack occurred right at the moment  UN Security Council members were meeting in the west African nation on the future of the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) that is set to expire June 30, 2019.  The attack was allegedly committed by members of the Dogon ethnic group, and is the latest and most deadly incident in an increasingly violent conflict. The increase in ethnic violence is connected to the spread of militant Islamic conflict that began in northern Mali in 2012.  The Dogon, who have been victims of militant attacks, accuse the Fulani of aiding the jihadists.  However, the Fulani contend that the Dogon self-defence groups have been armed by the government, and are carrying out atrocities against them, which is denied by the authorities.

Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan Meets With Mali Prime Minister  Soumeylou   Maiga 

Credit: Wikipedia /us department of state /   Seal of United States Department of State

During his meeting with Malian Prime Minister @SBoubeye, Deputy Secretary Sullivan offered condolences to those affected by the violence in the Mopti region, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to partner with #Mali as it confronts terrorist threats. https://t.co/2ruM2V1l85 pic.twitter.com/uOIqkNgTRk

— Department of State (@StateDept) March 27, 2019

“Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met today with Malian Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga. Deputy Secretary Sullivan offered his deepest condolences to those affected by the violence in the Mopti region of Mali, most of whom were civilians. The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to partner with Mali as it confronts terrorist threats in the region, and further, he urged the Malian government to prioritize cooperation as it works with signatory parties to fulfill provisions of the Algiers Accord.   Deputy Secretary Sullivan also stressed the importance of demonstrating significant progress on agreed benchmarks of the mandate for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) ahead of the June renewal. Related to these benchmarks, Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Prime Minister Maiga discussed the need for inclusive dialogue in the ongoing constitutional reform process.”

-Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino,  Mar. 26, 2019.