Mali

Mali is a country in West Africa that was once home to powerful empires, playing a central role in trans-Saharan trade and Islamic scholarship through cities such as Timbuktu. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Mali has struggled with political instability.

A Tuareg uprising in 2012 resulted in Islamist groups – some with links to Al Qaeda – taking control of two-thirds of the country. Mali's government appealed to France for help and Operation Serval was launched in early 2013 to fight the insurgency, with French forces remaining in the country for the better part of the next decade. 

A 2020 military coup saw Mali's relationship with France deteriorate, and by 2021 France had withdrawn the last of its troops despite a jihadist resurgence in the country. 

Security remains Mali’s most pressing challenge. Armed groups operate mainly in the north and centre, carrying out attacks that have displaced large populations and weakened local economies. Access to education, health care and basic services remains limited in many areas.

Agriculture and gold mining form the backbone of the economy, while its cultural influence, especially in music, continues to reach global audiences. Today, Mali stands at a critical crossroads, seeking stability and sovereignty in a volatile region.