Mali mainly, 2012 coup, drugs & more

[davidbfpo]

This War is Boring article is focused on the German Army's problems with their vehicles in the heat and dust of Mali, lus their drones and armed helicopters:http://warisboring.com/malis-desert-...ored-vehicles/

Then it intriguingly refers to the Malian National Guard:

The Garde’s speed and flexibility, its keeping with the principles of Sahelian warfare, combined with greater trust in Mali’s north—where the army is widely loathed—means they are today among the most effective troops in Mali’s armed forces, along with the special forces.

According to the IISS Military Balance it has 2k, the Army 18k and there is a separate Gendarmerie.