Nearly 80,000 people enter Mali from Guinea
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Studio Tamani
Nearly 80,000 people of six nationalities have crossed into Mali from Guinea through Kourémalé since 2 November, following operations at mining sites in Siguiri. The Malian government has set up reception sites and strengthened humanitarian and security assistance, according to authorities cited by Studio Tamani.
Nearly 80,000 people of six nationalities have crossed the border between Guinea and Mali since 2 November, at Kourémalé, following operations at mining sites in the Guinean prefecture of Siguiri. The figure was announced on Thursday by Mali's Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Daoud Mohamedine, according to Studio Tamani.
The Malian government is gathering the arrivals in Kourémalé and directing them to sites set up in Mamaribougou and Ouenzindougou, near Bamako. A security system is to intercept, identify and confine people heading towards the capital, while patrols are being reinforced day and night, General Daoud Mohamedine said.
Malian Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maïga visited the reception sites on Thursday 5 November. He described the situation as a « genuine humanitarian catastrophe » and reported that more than 40,000 people were present in Kourémalé, with thousands more arriving in Bamako, according to Studio Tamani.
Mali's Health Minister said that sick people were being cared for and reported four deaths linked to the situation, according to Studio Tamani.
