January 27, 2013. (Romereports.com) Even though the mass media has recently paid attention to the conflict in
Mali, the war began about a year and a half ago, when Tuareg rebels took up arms against the government of the African country. In doing so, a door of radical Islam that was already established, turned wide open.
With the increased violence, Caritas in Italy took action by sending kits with the essentials, to those in need.
FABRIZIO CAVALLETTI Caritas Italy
“The most important thing is food and water. Also health and hygiene kits to prevent diseases that given the situation, could be quite dangerous.”
At least 400,000 people have fled their homes and many of them are being helped by Caritas, but in neighboring countries. In fact Caritas closed its headquarters in Mali for several days, as the violence peaked.
FABRIZIO CAVALLETTI
Caritas Italy
“It's a very difficult situation. We can't reach all the areas in need because there are serious security problems and armed conflicts.”
According to official figures, more than 40,000 people from Mali, completely depend on help from Caritas. Along with other institutions, the Catholic charity is asking Mali's government to open a 'humanitarian pathway.'
FABRIZIO CAVALLETTI
Caritas Italy
“We want this humanitarian pathway, to ensure that aid reaches all the people who are paying the consequences of this conflict. But so far it hasn't been possible to open this corridor, so we're still facing many challenges.”
The current conflict is feeding another problem that was already dramatic as it is. Two years ago, Africa's Sahel region suffered a harsh famine epidemic that affected about 18 million people, a crisis that has not yet been resolved.
VIC/KLH
MG
VM
-PR
-U:RCarr
