Tag "French military intervention in Mali"
Will France withdraw from Mali?
The internal affairs of Mali have been closely watched by France since the Malian government requested defence from armed groups in the North, leading to the 2013 French intervention. France has since invested large amounts of aid in developing the Malian army and state infrastructures to regain the trust of a large segment of the alienated rural population. Yet, the state-building element of the mission, as has often been the case during the 21st century, seems to not be producing the necessary effects, perhaps – along with the more recent actions of the Malian government – opening the door for a complete French withdrawal.
China in Mali and the Sudan: A Stepping Stone to Greater Chinese Influence in the UN?
China is pushing to become a bigger player in UN peacekeeping. Past involvements in conflicts in Mali and Sudan have shown that China is capable and willing to involve its own troops in UN missions. The decreased presence of other major contributors has allowed China to gain more influence within the UN. It is likely that China will capitalise on this, but at what cost?
Ivory Coast attack highlights AQIM expansion
The March 13 attack in Ivory Coast highlights the expanding regional operability of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Propelling fears of additional incidents across West Africa, this has reinforced
Mali faces ongoing security threats despite peace agreement
The international community has described the signing of a peace agreement between the government and armed groups as a new start for Mali and its best chance for peace. But it
