According to a report, representatives from France, the u.s. and Niger arrived in Mali on Saturday for a weekend of talks aimed at persuading the military government to return to civilian administration. Reportedly, the delegates are pressuring for an election by February.
There is an unknown number of u.n. troops in the Sahel region. According to reports, fifty three french soldiers have died since 2013. Reportedly, France who have 5,000 troops in Mali are planning a 50% reduction by 2022, and are pulling out of their northern bases in Kidal, Tessalit and Timbuktu. According to the report, the task force takuba, a european military task force will move from Mali to Niger. Reportedly, a Russian military group may eventually take France’s role.
Reportedly, poverty in Mali and Burkina Faso was a factor in a border dispute over the 180 kilometre mineral rich Agacher strip, settled by Algerian mediation and the international court of justice in 1986.
According to a report, Mali is the third largest producer of gold in Africa. Reportedly, Africa has been exploited by european powers since 1881. According to the report, African goods have resulted in a trade surplus and a market that buys from a colonial power.
Reportedly, the u.n. presence is to target islamic state and affiliated groups. According to a report a 2012 coup following the assassination of Colonel Gadaffi was related to western policies.
Reportedly the 2020 coup followed protests about conflict and poverty. Another military coup in 2021 was led by Assimi Goïta who became president. According to a report, he had experience working with the u.s. army special forces.
Reportedly, since May 2020 over 2,000 people have been killed, 300,000 have been displaced. According to reports, conflicts arise over resources. Farmers and herders make up 80% of the population.