April 3, 2012 Mali

The Caritas closes the its office in the north of Mali

Caritas Mali says its local office in Gao in northern Mali was destroyed along with the local church after Tuareg rebels seized the city at the weekend. Despite the conflict in the north and a coup last month, Caritas Mali says its operations providing desperately needed food aid to the rest of the country continue. (article from caritas.org)

The Tuareg rebels have seized three regional capitals in as many days. The main rebel group is the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). They are operating alongside the Islamist group Ansar Edine, who have links to Al Qaeda’s north African branch.

Fr Jean-Jacques, director of Caritas Gao said, “Caritas staff fled Gao on Saturday. We learned from our guard today that the centre and the church compound have been destroyed. We have received calls from the small Catholic community left in Gao. They are now in hiding, fearing for their lives.” Fr Jean-Jacques says there are about 200 Catholics in Gao.

Read whole article on caritas.org.

Please contact Ryan Worms on: +39 06 698 797 57 or Mobile : +39 335 823 4233 or worms@caritas.va