On December 8, the MINUSMA Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit (BANFPU-2) provided free medical consultations for to the people of Goundam town, with the aim of bringing relief to the population but also to engender trust between them and MINUSMA peacekeepers.

My name is Odette Kwizera. I am from Burundi. I have spent 3 years and 4 months in Mali as a United Nations volunteer. I work as a radio producer with Mikado FM, the United Nations radio in Mali and one of MINUSMA’s Public Information and Strategic Communication Division’s Units.

As the sun rises over Mali’s vast desert, a group of 20 men prepare their equipment and line up to receive instructions before heading out for their first patrol of the day on one of the most dangerous roads in the region.