After nearly a year under the commands of Islamist militants who had forced strict Islamic laws, people in Mali are beginning to fear that the militants may strike again, causing major chaos throughout Timbuktu. The Malian soldiers are lacking supplies and assistance, therefore the need for them to call in the French troops a few months back. The fear of the French withdrawing and leaving Mali is spreading throughout the cities. Malian soldiers continue to patrol the streets in Timbuktu, dreading the departure of the 1,000 French troops that are leaving the country by the end of the year. They are fully aware of the danger of the position they are in, knowing they are the primary targets for suicide bombers. None of the soldiers packed into the vehicles wear a bulletproof vest, and less than half of them have a helmet on.
fighting and they are getting overwhelmed. Commanding officer Colonel Seydou Kone had asked the French to go and help them, hoping it would strengthen their chances of surviving. With the French present in Mali, it has brightened the end of the tunnel for many cities.
While the battle continues, Paris has come to believe that its military task is nearly accomplished. In fact, the French say they are ready to hand over cities like Timbuktu to African forces. It is a big mess of confusion as the days turn into months. The search to reduce militant fighters continues, and only the French have the intentions of conducting operations in remote places farther north.
President Francois Hollande made it very clear that almost half of the 4,000 soldiers that are in Mali right now will be returning home. About 1,000 French troops will still be in the country by the end of the year. However, the falling numbers of French soldiers brings panic to Malian civilians across the country. Many are afraid to leave their towns without the protection of the French, and some are threatening to flee the country. It is clear that civilians have lack of trust in their own soldiers, therefore making it a difficult decision whether or not to push the deadline further back, keeping the French troops in Mali for longer.