Turkish charity delivers Ramadan aid to Mali

By Ali Ebubekir Tokcan

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Turkish aid agency on Wednesday began to distribute aid to needy Malians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Cansuyu Charity and Solidarity Organization provided aid to Malians who escaped a massacre in March, the agency said in a statement.

The agency distributed food packages to 20,000 people. It also provided fast-breaking meals, or iftar, to 5,000, according to the statement.

The massacre occurred when militants stormed the Egossagou village March 23, leaving at least 161 people dead and burned many houses.

The attacks by the Dogon tribe resulted in thousands migrating to Koulikoro in the southwest.

Tensions erupted in Mali in 2012 following a failed coup and a Touareg rebellion that ultimately allowed al-Qaeda-linked militant groups to take control of the northern half of the country.

A peace deal was signed in 2015 between the government and some insurgent groups.

Political and community disputes continue to fuel tensions in northern Mali, thus undermining implementation of the peace agreement.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz