Along with the Tuareg rebels are the Jihad soldiers, Muslim parties have been fighting to convert and unite Mali and other African countries under Islamic Law. Since the government of Mali has been weakened from the frequent rebel attacks, the French have been sending in many reinforcements (the french have been protecting Mali ever since Mali has gained independence), which have proven very effective so far. However, the French believe that the Malian military will successfully be able to fend against the rebels, and have been withdrawing troops from Mali, much to the dismay and fear of the citizens and Malian soldiers.
With the French withdrawal, the Tuareg and Al Qaeda rebel forces in Northern Mali may overwhelm the current conflict borders and continue to battle against the Malian Government, devastating the country and causing many political and domestic issues along with adding to the already extreme amount of displaced people. Interviewed Malian soldiers assigned to guard the boundaries between Northern Mali (where the Tuareg are residing in large strategic numbers) and the southern portion (which is controlled by the french military and the Malian Government) are very fearful of the french leaving, as they strongly do not believe they will be able to continue defending against the well-equipped Tuareg and Jihadi soldiers, who carry russian firearms and may have special training. Which leaves the question: What will happen to Mali?
Mali’s fate, while very unpredictable, could possibly result in the Tuareg people getting their wish of their own state of Azawad in the top portion of Mali. However, with the many recent events going on, it is very hard to make a guess on what will happen. Will the french realize that withdrawing their troops is a mistake? Will the USA become involved in the conflict? With all of the many varying politics in Mali, only time will tell.
Sources Used: 6, 14, 15
5
Couragous Malian Soldiers Stand for Duty: Ready To Fight for their Country