BRUSSELS, 24 March 2019 – PRN Africa — Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence Didier Reynders strongly condemns the odious attack which caused the violent death of at least 135 persons yesterday in Mali, close to the border with Burkina Faso. Early Saturday morning, armed individuals stormed into the village of Ogossagou, in the centre of Mali. The thoughts of Minister Reynders go in the first instance to the family and friends of the victims, to whom he addresses his sincere condolences. An escalation of violence in the centre of Mali would be disastrous for the whole of Mali and would not to be in anyone’s interest. Minister Reynders reiterates his appeal to reason and calm and reaffirms Belgium’s commitment to issues of security and development.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 25, 2019 10:18 UTC