Victoria K. Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of International Organizations Visits Mali
Victoria K. Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organizations at the U.S. Department of State, is visiting Bamako April 1-3 to consult with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest financial contributor to peacekeeping missions, the United States has a major stake in the success of MINUSMA in carrying out its mandate to provide critical stabilization and security, to protect civilians, to monitor the human rights situation, to create conditions for the civilian-led delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to provide support for Mali’s national reconciliation process.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Holt, who has responsibilities for international peacekeeping operations and international security, will meet with MINUSMA representatives to gain first-hand knowledge of Mali’s dynamic environment, and to better understand and evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. support to MINUSMA and the needs and challenges that lie ahead. She will also consult with the Government of Mali and international partners.
The U.S. government remains committed to working with the international community to restore stability and security in Mali. Since 2013, the United States has provided nearly USD 1 billion (530 billion CFA) in assistance to Mali – exceeding its initial commitments announced at the 2013 Brussels Donors Conference – of which over $333 million has been provided in assessed contributions for MINUSMA. Nine U.S. military personnel currently serve in MINUSMA. Since 2012, the United States has also provided more than $200 million in humanitarian assistance to Mali and Malian refugees displaced by the crisis.
