World Vision staff members return to Mali, hope to resume relief and development programs soon

DAKAR, Senegal (April 13, 2012) — World Vision staff members were able to return to Mali today after having to leave the country more than a week ago due to the recent instability. Relief and development programs were suspended and a number of staff members were forced to evacuate on April 4, as the security and political situation deteriorated following a military coup in the West African nation. The situation in Mali remains precarious, but World Vision is hopeful and looking to resume work immediately as the security situation permits.

"Despite the ongoing challenges and volatile situation, we are hopeful that we will be able to gradually resume our operations. We will continue to focus on addressing the needs of those most vulnerable – the children and communities facing crippling food shortages in Mali, whose situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the north of country,” said Chance Briggs, national director for World Vision Mali.

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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews