merrion street

I wish to express my condolences in respect of the guests of the Le Campement Hotel, Dougourakoro killed and injured in yesterday’s incident.

At the time of the incident two Defence Force personnel were present at the hotel. I was kept fully advised throughout.

Once accounted for, both personnel returned to the European Union Training Mission Headquarters in Bamako where they are based.

Every effort is made to ensure the safety of our personnel on overseas missions, but given the inherent instability in the environments in which they operate, risk cannot be fully eliminated.

A report on the matter will be compiled by the Chief of Staff, and any support which may be required by Defence Forces personnel in Mali and their families following the incident will be made available.