At least 4 reportedly killed as al Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militants storm hotel in Somalia's capital
CBSNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Friday, Mali's foreign minister called on the UN to withdraw its peacekeepers from the country "without delay," as the mandate of the mission — known as MINUSMA — expires at the end of this month.
Addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC), Abdoulaye Diop said that the 13K-strong, decade-long mission had failed to address the spread of jihadist violence, while allegedly fueling internal tensions.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The fallout from the Malian government's hostility towards France and its European partners is becoming increasingly apparent. Now that the shadowy Russian Wagner group is active in Mali, the country's security situation is rapidly deteriorating. The Russian troops aren't focused on the people's security but on pursuing Moscow's interests.
Establishment-critical narrative
The deteriorating security crisis in West Africa is primarily the result of the West's decade-long political and military interference under the guise of fighting terrorism. It's no coincidence that anti-European sentiment is rising while calls for Russian engagement have recently grown louder. There will only be hope for the region when it's no longer possible for the West to pursue its geopolitical interests unchallenged.
