Nigerian government has pledged more financial aid to war-torn Mali to help rebuild the country after months of conflict.
This is even as it disclosed that over USD$45 million has so far been spent in humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and maintenance of military operations to restore peace in the country. Vice President Namadi Sambo, made the pledge in Brussels at the International Donors Conference on the Development of Mali organized by the European Union and the Mali’s transitional government. Representing President Goodluck Jonathan at the event, Sambo stated that Nigeria has remained committed to the restoration of peace and order in Mali and has continued to provide material and financial support to the achievement of that noble objective.
He acknowledged that reconstruction of post-conflict Mali requires strong international support, pledging another USD$2 million to boost agriculture. Sambo also stressed the need to identify the root causes of the crisis and to take into cognizance the diversity of the Malian society.
“We are committed to supporting a comprehensive integration of Northern Mali through inclusive consultations and dialogue that would create opportunity for the socio-economic development for the benefit of all Malians” he said.
The Vice President specially thanked President Francois Hollande of France for his intervention in
Mali and called for his continued support for the maintenance of the territorial integrity and development of the country. He also thanked the Mr. Dicouda Traore the head of the transitional government of Mali for sharing the country’s vision as reflected in the strategic plan for 2013-2014, and lauded the collaborative efforts of the ECOWAS, the European Union and the United Nations towards restoration of peace in the nation.
The conference aimed at offering financial and logistic support to Mali’s government in order to rebuild the post war country under a comprehensive development strategic plan. This include rebuilding government institutions and the military, repairing damaged infrastructure, organizing presidential elections, holding dialogue with rebel groups in the north, and stimulating the economy.
