Bamako, 10 February 2012 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Said Djinnit visited Bamako to gather information on the evolution of the situation in the context of events taking place in the north of the country.

During his visit, Djinnit met with the President of the Republic of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, and the Foreign Minister, Soumeylou Boubèye Maiga who headed of the government delegation at the consultation meeting held in Algiers from 2 to 4 February 2012.

On this occasion, Djinnit reiterated the message of the United Nations Secretary-General on 8 February 2012. In this regard, he stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow the ongoing efforts towards inclusive dialogue to materialize as well as the deployment of humanitarian to in assistance to the affected populations.

Djinnit voiced concern about the humanitarian consequences of the fighting which cause population displacement within Mali and neighboring countries. "These population movements are adding an additional burden on Mali and the host countries that are already facing a very worrying food crisis," he said. He underlined that the UN system is mobilizing to assist the displaced people and refugees as well as the host communities.

The Special Representative was accompanied by Kazimiro Jocondo-Rudolf, the Director of the United Nations Regional office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in West and Central Africa. They met with the heads of UN agencies in Mali to exchange views on the situation and ensure optimal coordination of efforts of the UN system to assist the affected populations in Mali and neighboring countries.