Statement on the Killing of Civilians in Northern and Central Mali

The United States was deeply saddened to learn of the violence in the Bandiagara and Gao regions this past weekend resulting in the deaths of more than 100 civilians. This news comes at a time when ongoing violence in Ménaka has also killed numerous civilians and displaced thousands more. The United States strongly condemns these indefensible acts of violence against civilian populations. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and with the Malian people in this time of grief. We wish a swift recovery to those injured and we continue to work with our Malian partners to build a brighter and more peaceful future for all Malians.