French military moves further into northern Mali
France is intensifying its military activities in Mali as it attempts to build on gains it has made against Islamist militants that recently seized control of a stretch of land in the northern region of the country roughly the size of Afghanistan. Not long after French airstrikes in the region began, the insurgents, allegedly linked to Al Qaeda, abandoned key cities such as Timbuktu and retreated into their mountain hideouts.
“The goal is to destroy their rear bases,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Monday. “They can’t keep staying there for very long unless they get access to supplies.”
“In the cities that we hold, we wish to quickly be relieved by the Afisma forces,” the minister added, referring to the Afisma African military force. The United Nations is considering transforming Afisma into a U.N.-led peacekeeping force once Mali has fully recovered control over northern territories, an idea supported by US Vice President Joe Biden. “We agree on the need to, as quickly as reasonably possible, establish the African-led international mission in Mali and to, as quickly as prudent, transition that mission to the United Nations,” Biden said.
French President Francois Hollande reaffirmed France’s earlier committment to keep the intervention on the part of the French short-term.
“France has no intention of remaining here in Mali because it is Malians themselves, Africans, who will achieve security, independence and sovereignty in Mali. This is how I see Franco-African relations: respectful, democratic and transparent.”
French troops are already withdrawing from Timbuktu and other cities in the region and concentrating their energy further north. Much to the elation of the Malian people, life in the region is beginning to return to normal.
“First of all, I feel like I’ve been let out of prison.” said Aminata Touré, a student who is resuming her 9th grade level studies since she and the rest of the students and staff at her school were forced to leave it. “I can walk around town, I can dress as I like – look, I’m wearing jeans. My second joy is that I have been reunited with my class, my friends, my teachers and my school-books. I thought the school year was ruined, but now I will be able to pass my diploma and go to the lycée next year.”
