ECOWAS agrees to Mali intervention force

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa...710305682.html

This concerns the civil war in the west Africa nation of Mali. The rebellion had been ongoing for decades until early this year, when the rebels newly armed with heavy weapons looted from Libya's military bases began to defeat Malian troops and seize territory in the north.

Mali's resistance to the rebels collapsed when a military coup took place in the south. The soldiers were reportedly unhappy with being under supplied in the war against the rebels. However, the coup caused Mali's troops to flee the north and Mali has been unable to reassert control. The rebels declared independence, and although no other nation has recognized their declaration, they do control more than half of Mali's territory.



It should be noted, however, that much of the rebel held territory is comprised by the Sahara Desert (roughly the land north of Timbuktu)

The rebellion has ethnic, racial and religious dimensions. The rebellion is primarily of the Tuareg people, demanding independence. However, Islamists are also a major part of the rebellion. Having established control over northern Mali, the Islamists inexorably pushed the secular rebels aside and now are in control. There are numerous reports of a harsh version of Islam being imposed on the moderate city residents, with important historical Muslim shrines being destroyed because they are Sufi. There seem racial tensions between the light-skinned Tuaregs, and the darker-skinned rebels from the south.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/...z/-/index.html

The Economic Community of West African States, better known as ECOWAS, has, during the past several months, dithered about sending troops to help Mali combat the rebels. One reason for not sending troops is unhappiness with the the coup leaders reluctance to step down from power. Another reason is the fractious nature of a fifteen country organization, and reluctance to shoulder the cost (both human and economic) of fighting another country's war. And there seems to be some concern about exacerbating problems with the people in their own territory in the Sahel and Sahara.

However, there has been much prompting from Western countries, particularly France (the former colonial power in Mali.) So an international intervention seems to be taking shape.

Quoting from the al-Jazeera article
There was talk about African countries which are not part of ECOWAS also participating. Chad, Mauretania, South Africa were specifically mentioned. It is very much hoped that Algeria can be persuaded to join since the country has an extensive border with northern Mali. However, Algeria is balking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20292797

France sees the Islamist region of Mali as a threat to its own security.
France has rule out committing ground troops but has previously mentioned providing aerial assistance. Aerial assistance, whether in the form of air strikes, reconnaissance or logistical support, is seen as vital to helping Mali. Reportedly the ECOWAS troops will also not participate in ground fighting, but provide such support roles.