Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UN Security Council has approved an African-led military operation to oust al-Qa’ida-linked extremists from northern Mali – but not before the training of the country’s security forces and progress on political reconciliation and elections.
The resolution, passed unanimously, stresses that there must be a two-track plan, political and military, to wrest control of the turbulent north and successfully reunite the West African nation.
It authorises an African-led force to support Malian authorities in recovering the north, but sets benchmarks before the start of offensive operations, starting with progress on a political road map to restore constitutional order.
It also emphasises that further military planning is needed before the African-led force is sent to the north and asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to “confirm in advance the council’s satisfaction with the planned military-offensive operation”.
Mali was plunged into turmoil in March after a coup in the capital, Bamako, created a security vacuum. That allowed the secular Tuaregs to take half the north as a new homeland. But months later, the rebels were ousted by Islamist groups allied with al-Qa’ida, which have now imposed strict shariah law in the north.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments