(Ecofin Agency) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it is giving the Malian government 30 armored military vehicles to strengthen its defense forces amid growing security crisis. The announcement was publicly made by Prime Minister Boubou Cissé (pictured) on the National TV channel.

“They (the UAE) promise they will give us, as soon as possible, about 30 armored Cougar-type vehicles to support our defense forces. They are very willing to grant us technical and financial assistance in the fight against terrorism and walk along us through this combat that we are waging on behalf of all the nations across the world,” the PM said.

The new aid comes in a context marked by an upsurge in jihadist attacks in Mali and the Sahel, while international funding for joint action is slow to come into effect. In recent weeks, the countries of the G5 Sahel have made increasing calls for solidarity, particularly after the deaths of 71 Nigerien soldiers in a terrorist attack in Niger and 13 French soldiers in an anti-terrorist operation in Mali.

According to Minister Boubou Cissé, the acquisition of about 100 additional armored vehicles is being negotiated with the Emirati authorities to meet the needs of the Malian Armed Forces.

As a reminder, last July, Abu Dhabi pledged $250 million to help Mali improve its balance of payments and Malian authorities announced that more than half of this funding has already been disbursed.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou