The UN has given Mali 45 days to come to a security solution. What is the root of the problem in that West African country? In what ways is that issue connected to other global issues?
How is related to France?
Who are the "rebels" in this case?
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Security+Council+vote+backing+international+force+help+oust+rebels/7381100/story.html
On Friday, the United Nations Security Council responded to a request from the transitional government in the West African country that is Mali to help against Islamist militants. Mali has been in a chaotic state since a coup on March 22. This is when renegade soilders seized the presidential palace, followed by Islamist militants joining the Tuareg separatists with seizing large parts of the northern part of the country. (1) Approximately 1.5 million Malians have had to flee their homes and move to surrounding regions in Mopti, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Aleria.
ReplyDeleteAs a result, right now as you read this, the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic milita has imposed a harsh version of Shairah law on the North. Under this law, people endure forced marriage, forced prostitution and rape, women are being sold as “wives” for lass than $1 000 Canadian dollars and ransom payments, along with funds from drug transhipping establish their rule.(2) Children are recruited to build bombs and serve as soilders because their families get paid $600 on enlistment and $400 a month afterwards. In a territory where half the population lives on less than $1.25 a day, many families are in desperate need of the money.
The plan is in play, but will begin to take course starting October 19th after a scheduled meeting between the United Nations, ECOWAS, the AU and the European Union, along with neighbouring countries. After Mali’s transitional government received notice back confirming the military intervention to oust the al-Qaida linked Islamists. But the council wants Mali’s government to prepare a “feasible” plan with “detailed options”, and to co-ordinate with other African nations. (3) A production with a 25 day-away due date, leaving the West African group with minimal time. The president of France, Francois Hollande said any military intervention must be carried out- only by Africans. But he emphasized France’s willingness to provide the necessary material and training for the military, but there will be by no means any French solider activity on the ground.
This resolution urges the transitional governmental authorities and Milian rebel groups such as Tauregs to cut off their ties and all relations to al-Qaida. Then they hope to begin to negotiate as soon as possible in order to seek a sustainable political solution in the time of such a crisis.
(1)http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-vows-support-for-african-military-force-in-mali/article3994214.ece
(2) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19933979
(3)http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Security+Council+vote+backing+international+force+help+oust+rebels/7381100/story.html
The root of the problems we are seeing is : a) a lack of value for human life and b) the fact that France went into Mali, established a solid ruling, then left them to their own devices. If France had established a more well rounded, democratic political system or had placed more thought in choosing a ruler for them then this country might very well not be in such a war torn, shattered state .
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