By Paul Munro | Programme Manager
We have hit a significant hurdle in relation to this project, in that a recent coup d’edat recently occurred in Mali which has caused a number of in-country political issues. This will likely cause a delay in the planned implementation of this project, however it will not stop the project from going ahead, and we are proceeding will the project as planned. The only change will be that we will not physically head into Mali until we are completely sure the political situation is secure enough to guarantee the safety of our staff.
For those that have not followed the news, below is brief description of the coup d’etat. It began on 21 March, when mutinying Malian soldiers, displeased with the management of the Tuareg rebellion that was occurring the North-East of the country, attacked several locations across the countries capital city of Bamako, including the presidential palace, state television, and military barracks. The soldiers, formed the political group known as the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State, and declared the following day that they had overthrown the current Malian Government, forcing the country’s president into hiding. The coup was followed by "unanimous" international condemnation, harsh sanctions by Mali's neighbours, and the swift loss of northern Mali to Tuareg forces. On 6 April, the junta agreed with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) negotiators that they would step down from power in return for the end of sanctions; however, as of 16 May, the junta was still widely thought to have maintained overall control. Elections were supposed to have occurred in the country during April 2012, however these have evidently delayed, and their planned future date is still being negotiated.
Fortunately Salamale, is the south of the country, well away from the Tuareg invaded north-east of the country, as well as the capital city of Bamako; so recent activities have had no immediate impact on their lives. Thus when the current negotiations of the country’s political have been concluded and the relevant agencies declare things secure on the ground, we will be free to implement the project without any significant issues.
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