U.S. Ambassador to Mali Mary Beth Leonard visited the town of Ouelessebougou on Tuesday. This trip was at the invitation of the town’s Mayor, Yeah Samake, and sought to strengthen ties between the United States and the municipality. In his welcome address, the mayor praised the cooperation between the American people and the citizens of Oueléssébougou, adding that the U.S. is a source of inspiration for Oueléssébougou on democracy and decentralization. Ambassador Leonard urged the people to further commit to the development of their area and to work to strengthen the republic and their rights. Singling out women in the crowd,  the Ambassador encouraged them to send their daughters to school.