A suicide bomber breached a military checkpoint in northern Mali yesterday, killing himself and wounding one soldier. This is the first action presented by the Islamist rebels since the French agreed to aid Mali in a fight against the militia. The suicide bomber was on a motorcycle when he approached soldiers at the checkpoint, showing the lack of strength in the Malian army currently. The explosion happened in Gao, the largest city of Northern Mali, and one of the cities that the French are occupying as of now.
This retaliation in response to France helping the soldiers of Mali is raising questions about the Al-Qaeda-driven rebels and their tactics. The group has confirmed that they will continue to retaliate in this way to French aid.
Almost a month ago, France agreed to Mali’s request for foreign aid in what has been a year of corruption and fighting. The Malian army is weak in both numbers and prestige. French citizens have been concerning themselves with the question of when France will pull out their forces, and the latest attack from the rebels does not promise a return soon.
MUJAO, Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, have admitted to being behind the attack. France pushed MUJAO out of Gao at the beginning of the month, as well as taking control of Timbuktu and Kidal through seizure of their airports. Gao was a large center for the rebels before, where citizens were tortured and injured daily.
France has discussed building the Malian forces, as well as training them, hoping that they can defend their country independently and succeed in defeating the Islamist rebels. Many other countries in West Africa are experiencing similar violence, and are calling for aid from the devastation.
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