French tanks drive through the West African state of Mali. The imperialists are occupying and bombing the country to seize control of oil, uranium and gold., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Few surprised that France will stay in Mali indefinitely
Ramin Mazaheri, Press TV, Paris
Mon May 20, 2013 2:14AM
When France surprisingly went to war in Mali last January they repeatedly promised their offensive was only temporary. But, in a declaration that’s caused little surprise internationally, the French Defense Minister said France will keep around a thousand troops in Mali indefinitely, and that the force could “intervene in neighboring countries…to intervene in any terrorist activity.”
For many, it seems that France is reverting to its longtime role as the self-appointed policeman of Africa, with the so-called “global war on terror” as justification.
France is reportedly set to buy two drone aircraft from the United States for use in Mali. Critics note that drones are often used for extra-judicial assassinations outside of outside war zones.
Many believe that France will create the same situation in Mali as they have done in Ivory Coast. For the last decade a UN-sponsored army, composed almost entirely of French soldiers, has protected French interests. In 2011, following a tightly-contested election, the force decisively protected Alassane Ouattara, ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s close personal friend, and ultimately sent incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo to the International Criminal Court.
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