The United States condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s terrorist attack in Bamako. I am particularly sad to note that among the victims was an American citizen, Ms. Anita Ashok Datar. As her family noted in its earlier statement, Ms. Datar did everything in her life to help others— as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend. Her strong bond with the people and culture of West Africa was evident from her two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, as well as her career working to advance global health and international development. It’s clear that Anita will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and her colleagues not only in the USA but throughout the world.
As President Obama said: “We will stand with the people of Mali as they work to rid their country of terrorists and strengthen their democracy. With allies and partners, the United States will be relentless against those who target our citizens. We’ll continue to root out terrorist networks.”
We know that the Malian people join us in denouncing these savage acts of terrorism, and the United States stands with them in their efforts to ensure a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Mali.
