Mali celebrates Eid El Fitr

Bamako, Mali, May 23 (Infosplusgabon) - Mali celebrates the Eid El Fitr on Saturday, marking the end of the Muslim fasting month, after the crescent moon was sighted on Friday in several localities in the country.

For the occasion, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita sent his wishes of happiness and health to the Muslim community of his country.

"May our supplications, throughout this blessed month of Ramadan that is coming to an end, strengthen our country in its resolute march towards peace, security, unity and development", he said.

President Keita spoke of the seriousness of the situation in Mali, marked not only by insecurity in some parts of the country, but also by the coronavirus pandemic which has already claimed some 60 lives.

"More than ever, we must mobilize against this scourge that exists and causes enormous damage around the world. By wearing the mask and by respecting the basic hygiene rules, we can block it. Let's stand together to do this",  President Keita wrote.

He said he was determined to bring back "his brother" Soumaila Cissé sound and safe as soon as possible.

Soumaila Cissé, leader of Mali's opposition Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD), was abducted by terrorists in Niafunke, Timbuktu region of northeastern Mali, where he was campaigning for parliamentary elections in March-April 2020.

He was elected in the first round of voting in his constituency of Niafunke, although he remains in the hands of his captors, despite ongoing negotiations led by Malian authorities and other goodwill personalities.

FIN/ INFOSPLUSGABON/OKL/GABON2020

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