Armed groups committing atrocities in Mali: HRW
Al JazeeraMay 02
EU Ends Military Training Mission in Mali
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The Facts
The EU announced on Wednesday that it will end its military training mission in Mali when its current mandate expires on May 18 amid deteriorating ties between the bloc and the West African country.
The decision not to renew the mission's mandate was reportedly taken after the "evolution of the political and security situation," an assessment of the mission strategy, and talks with the Malian authorities.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The EU's withdrawal from Mali is the latest sign of the deteriorating ties between the West and the Malian military junta. Given the worsening security situation in the country and across the region, the EU troops' departure — following Mali's decision to expel France — is a disaster for the people. However, the EU channels for political dialog and technical cooperation remain open if the junta decides to put the people's interests above its own.
Establishment-critical narrative
The news that EU troops are finally leaving Mali is good news for the country, which is tired of the US-led West's interference and paternalism. The Western media ignores that it was the NATO attack on Libya that destabilized Mali and the entire region and that the US and its EU vassals are, therefore, themselves to blame for the spread of Islamist violence they claim to fight. Mali is an impressive example of how Africa is freeing itself from the shackles of neo-colonialism.