Side note to Barkhane
On June 29, 3 pseudo Serbian journalists (but actually Serbian military) were arrested at their arrival at Bamako, capital of Mali. By the Malian secret service (more than likely given by the French Intel services ?).
For a so called documentary on the candidate for the Presidental election, Soumaila Cisse. They were detained for a week in a secret location.
Before this presidental election there were the local /council /municipal elections. Was a total shambles... Between unsafe areas and lack of digital Id and counting the scrutin, many areas (villages went with out)
Ethnic tensions are at a high. Me thinks a civil war is the best way to describe Mali at the moment.
The ‘groupes armés’, who patrol with the FAMA (malian regulars) to secure zones, towns and villages etc. , are no more than devious nontrust worthy thugs with weapons. My opinion and mine alone. If any future wannabe eventually joins the Legion and gets posted to Mali, be prepared, be on your guard and trust no one other than your Chefs. Do not even strike up conversation with.