Mali mainly, 2012 coup, drugs & more

[davidbfpo]

Just found this long review article and only partly read - others have been worth reading:http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...uggle-for-mali

For the weapons experts the photo of Malian soldiers to my "armchair" level of knowledge do not appear to be carrying any ammunition, except the magazine in their AKs.

[Biggus]

For the weapons experts the photo of Malian soldiers to my "armchair" level of knowledge do not appear to be carrying any ammunition, except the magazine in their AKs.

Unless they've got a pouch on the left side, it looks like you're correct. Those AKs are older Chinese production, I believe.

[davidbfpo]

A podcast with Andrew Lebovich (38 min) which offers his views on:

Some of the topics covered include:

• The political process in Mali after the French intervention
• Why there has been a rise in violence recently
• Why IS has not been able to penetrate Mali like many of the other jihadi zones
• Where things might be going from here

Link:https://www.lawfareblog.com/jihadolo...hadi-landscape

[davidbfpo]

Since February 14, 2016, the French Army "Barkhane Force" which operates in Mali against Islamic terrorism in Africa has deployed three LRU (Lance- Roquette Unitaire - MLRS Multiple launch Rocket System) from the 1st Artillery Regiment of Belfort. This is the first operational deployment for this type of weapon since its entry into service in 2014.

Link:http://www.armyrecognition.com/armie..._12002162.html

[davidbfpo]

Reports from Mali are rare, so thanks to alerts from Andrew Lebovich to two reports today.

The first report is by two lady Al-Jazeera journalists who accompanied a Nigerien patrol on a supply run:http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/fea...105547305.html

The second, more in-depth, is from IIRC a long-term US resident in Bamako, the capital, via his website:https://bridgesfrombamako.com/2016/0...-to-the-abyss/

[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.

[davidbfpo]

A short report via ECFR's website by Andrew Lebovich, a previously cited SME and his slim bio is on:http://www.ecfr.eu/profile/C387

He is not optimistic and ends with:

Now, having arrived at a seemingly workable framework for peace, the general response of the international community is to focus on implementation, presuming that if only the Malian government and international partners make good on the Accords’ provisions, then stability can be restored. However, this approach risks further inflaming tensions in some cases and further solidifying local rivalries and fiefdoms in others.

Link:http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentar...ok_beyond_7293