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January 21, 2013

French Army Advances Toward Northern Mali; U.N. Warns of Displacement 
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The French army continues to advance toward northern Mali in its effort
to wrest control from Islamist rebels. Earlier today, French forces
entered the key town of Diabaly on the ground after a week of air
strikes. The rebels have apparently fled the town after vowing a stiff
resistance. At the United Nations, a spokesperson for the U.N. Refugee
Agency said the fighting in Mali threatens to displace up to 700,000
people.

Melissa Fleming: "We believe that there could be in the near future up
to 300,000 people additionally displaced inside Mali and over 400,000
additionally displaced in the neighboring countries. Many also fear the
strict application of sharia law. They report having witnessed
executions, amputations, and they say that also large amounts of money
are being offered to civilians to fight against the Malian army and its
supporters. Disturbingly also we are hearing accounts that there are
children among the rebel fighters."

 

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