Mali: More than 25,000 food kits will be distributed throughout Mali – Africa Links 24

“There can be no greater gift than giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” This quote from the late former South African president, Nelson Mandela, perfectly describes the character of the vice-president of the Political and Citizen Movement for the empowerment of women and young people An-Biko, Mrs. Touré Binta Niane, who represents her sister Mrs. Fatoumata Niane Batouly. A woman who continuously provides humanitarian aid and support to those in need or in difficult situations throughout the country.

True to its tradition, the president of the Political and Citizen Movement for the empowerment of women and young people An-Biko, Mrs. Fatoumata Niane Batouly, commits, during this month of Ramadan, to distribute more than 25,000 food kits consisting of rice, sugar, and oil, across the country, as part of her program “Ramadan Tour or Operation Suna-Kanari”, 3rd edition, 2024.

The launch of the distribution activities of this program took place last Tuesday in the Kati Circle, where 150 food kits were given to widows, orphans, and war-wounded from the FAMAS.

This launch marks the beginning of a series of donations and food kit distributions in several localities in our country. Immediately after this launch, a delegation from the An-Biko Movement, led by the vice-president of the political organization, Mrs. Touré Binta Niane, proceeded to deliver food to the parents of quintuplets in the Cissé family in Kati Malibougou.

The launch ceremony was chaired by the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Worship, and Customs, Djibril Sissoko, in the presence of the vice-president of the An-Biko Movement, Mrs. Touré Binta Niane, and the representative of the Director of the Social Services of the Armed Forces, Commander Souleymane Sidibé. The Commander mentioned that this act towards the war-wounded, widows, and orphans of the FAMa is meaningful and demonstrates that the well-being of military personnel wounded and deceased in the line of duty is among the priorities of the An-Biko Movement.

This donation will help alleviate the burdens of the beneficiaries during the month of Ramadan, Commander Sidibé also mentioned. He expressed his gratitude and assured that these donations will be distributed judiciously.

The vice-president of the An-Biko Movement, on her part, recalled that the previous year, their political organization distributed over 10,000 food kits. “But this year, it will be over 25,000 food kits,” she said.

According to her, the objective of this program is to help and support the most disadvantaged groups, Imams, neighborhood and village leaders, organizations responsible for children in difficult situations, widows, orphans, and war-wounded from the Armed Forces and Security (FAMa). She stated that the operation will continue throughout the month of Ramadan, from Kayes to Kidal and from Diboli to Tessalit.

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Worship, and Customs, mentioned that what was done this year is much greater in number than last year. This shows that what the movement is doing is God’s work, Djibril Sissoko mentioned.

He expressed the belief that everything done for a cause will prosper. “We ask the Almighty to prosper the president of the An-Biko movement and all members of her movement. The fact that this launch is organized here at the army camp is quite symbolic. This donation was made not because she has the means, but she sends a message to all Malians. That message means that we should not wait to have the means to make a gesture towards someone. It is a great lesson that each of us should remember and keep in mind,” explained Djibril Sissoko. He thanked Mrs. Fatoumata Niane Batouly for her numerous services for the good cause for Mali, Malian women, and men.

The launch opened a series of food kit distributions in the six Communes of the Bamako district, for six days, with 100 food kits per commune. Moreover, these food kit distributions are also taking place in several localities in Mali.

These gestures were highly appreciated by the beneficiaries. “The month of Ramadan is a month of sharing,” emphasized Souleymane Coulibaly, Chief of the Sans-fil neighborhood in Commune II of the Bamako district.

“Through this gesture, the An-Biko Movement alleviates the suffering of the population and widows during this sacred month.” On behalf of the 13 neighborhood chiefs and the chief coordinator of neighborhood chiefs of the Commune, he thanked the leaders of the An-Biko Movement for these valuable acts of generosity that will help support faithful Muslims and vulnerable individuals during this blessed month of God. He prayed for the prosperity of the An-Biko political organization.

Siné S. TRAORÉ