Tanzania March 2014 | Page 6

A REBEL'S LAND

REECE OLRICH

Wars, rebellions and arguments destroy governments and tear apart entire countries. Blood has been shed in Mali for years as the French have stepped into help defend Malian’s against a rebel group. The French need to keep the troops in Mali because the African Army is not experienced enough to defend against the rebels. The thousands of French Troops in Mali are the only things maintaining some sort of peace for the countries citizens. Mali is a country ravaged by violence and fear. All of this chaos is caused by one thing, the rebels. The only reason Mali is still somewhat intact is because of the French Troops defending them. For this reason, the French need to continue to keep their troops in Mali.

Fear of prolonged war is not only apparent in Mali, it is also threatening the countries around it. Once the French have withdrawn 3/4 of the troops by the end of this year Mali could be overtaken and be forced into a further state of war. Terrorism is being fueled by all of the talk of war and danger. As part of a UNPeaceKeepingAct there have been deployments of 11,000 African Troops from around Mali. Many are arguing that the troops being deployed into Mali, “are rookies and are completely incapable of fighting against a veteran force like the rebels". (RT,2013)

The wars in Mali are all revolved around three things; vioence, resources, and money. Many people profit off of war and are opportunistic in their efforts to sell weapons and produce income. "The problem in Mali is that it is a poor country, so this gives possibilities for terrorism and if Mali is poor it's because of the plundering by French companies, " A reporter named Collon told RT. "The real goal of French presense isnot to combat the Islamists, but the resources." (RO, 2013) As stated here, Mali is in a state of peril and is greatly lacking money. Many believe that the French taking place in the war is a way to keep them involved in the African Nation. They fear Africa becoming united and joining forces with other continents like China and South America.

A Tuareg Man Displays the Traditional Blue Robes

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