AFRICAN IMPOSTURES: Letters from a Proxy War

In: New left review: NLR, Heft 87, S. 67-80

Abstract

The French military intervention against the Islamists, which many Malians had both hoped for and feared over recent months, has now been launched. It was the jihadist attack on the town of Konna on 9-10 January that sparked everything off. We were so afraid on hearing that news that the sound of a foreign army's boots has aroused joy and relief among the population rather than anger. What is perhaps less apparent is a degree of embarrassment, even a sense of shame. Malians know that their army was facing a strong adversary, but they are also aware that there will be a high price to pay for the military debacle, which has put Paris in the position of liberator. I am among those who wanted at all costs to keep the hyena out of the sheepfold, but there it is; my friends and I have lost this battle for peace. Adapted from the source document.