Ramadan Donation of $40,000 in Computer Equipment to the Malian High Council of Islam

September 16, 2008

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mary Beth Leonard presented over $40,000 in computer equipment.

On September 16, 2008, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mary Beth Leonard presented over $40,000 in computer equipment, cameras, and scanners to the Malian High Council of Islam.  This Ramadan gift was in response to a High Council request for support for the creation of a computer network that would not only connect the nine regional headquarters of the association but also help to establish a public website reflective of the moderate Islam practiced in Mali.  Close to 100 Muslim leaders, both women and men, attended the September 16 event which highlighted the close and mutually respectful relationship that exists between the United States Embassy in Bamako and the Malian Muslim community.   In her remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires reminded the audience that “Malians and Americans are united in our shared values of tolerance, respect for human rights, and freedom of religion” and provided details of the practice of Islam in the United States.  The President of the High Council of Islam, Imam Mahmoud Dicko, thanked the American government and people for their steadfast support and friendship of the Malian people.  The Imam added that it was important that both Americans and Malians must distinguish between the tolerant form of Islam practiced in Mali and the more extremist message which divides, rather than unites, people of different faiths and cultures.  The donation was covered on Malian national television and radio as well as on the important Malian Islamic radio station, Radio Dambe.  The manager of Radio Dambe, Imam Kimbiri, served as both translator and the master of ceremonies for the event