Mali struggles against Al Qaeda, factionalism and legacy of colonialrule

Medersa Sankore mosque

While the United States and Russia deal with the issues in the Ukraine and Syria, France has its own struggles with its involvement in Mali, as it plans a withdrawal of troops in Mali's northern regions even as the fighting continues and food shortages mount.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa.  Its northern regions, however, have more than poverty to contend with, as groups struggle for supremacy in the governance of the region.

15 million people live in Mali, a land of plenty according to those who have traveled there.  It has abundant national resources and great beauty, it is reported; however, the problems of war and the scramble among groups has caused a depletion in those natural resources and an upheaval in the social structure that creates health problems, food shortages and a host of other problems for the population.

Geographia.com describes Mali as a place of great beauty and charm, comparing the country with Egypt with both countries identified and nurtured by rivers.  Egypt has the Nile, and Mali has the Niger.  Both are central to the sustenance of their populations.  And even though Mali is now a poor and struggling country, it was once the source of great African empires and a legendary history.  The country was at its peak of both power and wealth during the 14th century, with its great cities Timbuktu and Djenne as centers of golden glory from the trading that was central to the flourishing of the empire.  In the 19th century it became a French colony and was given its independence in 1960.

Aid groups clamor for aid to Mali, as people are going hungry in the northern regions of Mali in particular.  Agencies have warned that more than 800,000 people need food assistance.  Political instability and poor harvests are said to be responsible for the problems.

In Northern Mali French troops have been fighting Islamic insurgents.  In November 2013 two French journalists were killed.  Al Qaeda is said to hold control in some pockets of the Northern region.

Like other countries, such as India, who have been dominated by foreigners prior to independence, Mali has grappled with governance for years.  As it once was part of a kingdom led by Muslims, then by France, it bears the benefits, and the scars, of the domination of different cultures while working to build its own identity.  Despite the centuries that have passed since Mali was part of the kingdom of Ghana, and French rule that ended more than 50 years ago, both the Muslim and French influences remain.  And these influences are part of the issues facing the country, as its people strive for independence.

The United Nations has been working to bring peace and security to Mali.  At a meeting of the Security Council today Gerard Araud, the French representative, briefed members about the situation in Mali, declaring, according to a UN report, that "a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Mali could only truly be realized by the country's people themselves, with the full backing of the international community."