Mali

Mali crisis: France ready to stop rebels, says Hollande

International— Link

However, French president says they would only act under UN authorisation to stop Islamist militants who control northern Mali.
by La rédaction de Mediapart

Mali seeks French help against extremists

International— Link

Plea comes in wake of successful offensive by extremist and terrorist groups who control the northern half of the country and are heading south.
by La rédaction de Mediapart

Seventh French hostage taken in Mali

International— Link

President Hollande confirms reports that a French citizen has been kidnapped in south-west Mali, outside a zone controlled by al-Qaida-linked militants.
by La rédaction de Mediapart

France and Morocco call for tough stance against Mali Islamists

International— Link

Morocco and France call on the African Union and Economic Community of West African States to prepare action against Malian Islamists.
by La rédaction de Mediapart

The myths and destruction of the tombs of Timbuktu

International— Interview

The name Timbuktu has taken on an almost mythical status in Western thought, one fuelled by the remoteness of the town in Mali. In destroying tombs recently in this “pearl of the desert” an Islamist group has both launched an attack on the holy sites of other Muslims and thrown down a challenge to the West, who recently put the famous town on the UNESCO list of endangered World Heritage sites. In an interview with Joseph Confavreux, French historian Charles Grémont gives the background to current events in Mali and the threat posed to Timbuktu.
by Joseph Confavreux

Mali gunmen abduct two French geologists from hotel

International— Link

Gunmen in Mali have abducted two French geologists from their hotel in the central town of Hombori, the French foreign ministry confirmed.
by La rédaction de Mediapart