By Godfrey Olukya 18-2013
European union, (EU) has endorsed 20 million Euro stabilization support package to embattled Mali.
Mali got destabilized last year when Islamists took over power in northern Mali, destroying ancient cities like Timbuktu and killing innocent civilians.
Recently French troops assisted Mali troops to regain most of the territory which had been taken over in northern Mali.Currently the government and international bodies are trying to reconstruct and rehabilitate northern Mali.
The decision to aid Mali was reportedly agreed on by by the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council of 17 January, 2013. The Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs announced on 12 February the fully fledged resumption of development aid to Mali for an amount of some €250 million.
In order to get value for money donated, the EU intends to rely on the implementation expertise of a mix of EU Member State agencies and other partners, including the UNDP and civil society organizations.
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said, ‘This first stabilization support package is yet another contribution from the EU to assist Mali to fully restore State authority and stability. It will also help the Malian people through support for the restoration of basic State services.’
She said that in the coming weeks, the EU will take further decisions to contribute to international efforts in support of Mali
and to help the Malian Government and people achieve long term stability, security and development.
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