Brussels, 02/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The first Centre for Migration Information and Management (CIGEM) is to be officially opened on 6 October in Bamako (Mali). The CIGEM is the result of cooperation between the Mali government and the European Commission with a view to providing a response to the phenomenon of migration. This pilot scheme takes the form of an initiative dealing with the various aspects of migration and it is the first time that the EU supports a country in sub-Saharan Africa in addressing the phenomenon of migration and the prevention of problems engendered by illegal and legal migration. Financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) by way of up to €10 million, the centre sets itself the aim of assisting Mali in defining a migration policy in response to the concerns of potential migrants, returning migrants and migrants residing outside Mali. The CIGEM will serve as a one-stop-shop for information and guidance for all migrants. The tasks of the CIGEM are mainly of four kinds in order to: - welcome and provide information, guidance and support to potential and returning migrants; - provide information on the legal aspects of migration and raise awareness amongst the population in order to prevent illegal migration; - reinforce the diaspora's role in Mali's development, inter alia by exploring ways to reduce the costs of transferring funds to Mali; - and improve the knowledge of migratory phenomena. Inauguration of the CIGEM will take place in the presence of Louis Michel, European Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, and Badara Aliou Macalou, Minister for Malis residing outside Mali and for African integration. (B.C./tranls.jl).