The total cost of humanitarian aid and other assistance programs that were launched by the Malian government in collaboration with partners for the benefit of the displaced persons within the country and the Malian refugees living in the neighboring countries, has risen to about 1.49 million U.S. dollars, a governmental source said on Wednesday.

A total of 1,080 tons of foodstuffs, non-food items and drugs were sent to northern Mali, especially to Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal, Douentza, Hombori and Gossi while at the same time, 1,500 tons of food and non-food items were distributed to the displaced persons in the south of the country.

According to a report examined by the Cabinet which met on Wednesday during an ordinary session that was chaired by prime minister Cheick Modibo Diarra, there are 67,000 displaced persons in southern Mali and over 203,800 Malian refugees living in the neighboring countries which include Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea- Conakry, Mauritania, Niger and Togo.