Sun, 20 January 2013
ABIDJAN/NIONO, Mali — France called yesterday on other world powers to commit money and logistical support for African armies readying their troops to join French soldiers already battling militants in Mali. The appeal came as African leaders met in Ivory Coast where they are expected to agree details of a regional mission that is due to take over from French forces but is short onfinancing, planning and even ammunition.
France has deployed ground troops and its war planes have bombed a rebel column, halting their advance. The intervention aims to stop militants from tightening their grip on Mali's northern desert zone and using it as a springboard for attacks. The stakes rose dramatically this week when gunmen cited the French intervention as a pretext to attack a desert gas plant in neighbouring Algeria and seize hostages.
The Sahara crisis has forced African nations to accelerate their own planned mission to Mali, which was originally not expected before September. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said French troops were in no way intended to replace the African operation. "We must, as quickly as possible, furnish the logistical and financial means required by the Malian army and (the African mission)," he said.
Mali's north has been occupied by a mix of gunmen since rebels bolstered with weapons seized from Libya after the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi took up arms last year. Separatist rebels who launched the fighting were soon sidelined by an alliance involving home-grown Malian groups. Heads of state are expected to confirm pledges to dispatch some 5,000 African soldiers to join French forces in Mali.
"We must intervene because no economic revival, no region in the world will be safe if the Sahel goes over to the wrong side," said Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara.
Nigeria and Togo have already started their deployments, with Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad expected soon. But a Western diplomat following the process said plans for the mission were "fluid".
"We must intervene because no economic revival, no region in the world will be safe if the Sahel goes over to the wrong side," said Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara.
Nigeria and Togo have already started their deployments, with Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad expected soon. But a Western diplomat following the process said plans for the mission were "fluid".
Source: Oman Observer
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