The Sahel and the Malian crisis (original) (raw)

The French intervention has created a totally new situation on the ground and generated effects and consequences of various natures that are assessed in reference to the end-states desired by Mali and relevant international actors. For the international community it is important to address the local, national, regional and international dimensions of the crisis. The International Community should pay attention to three interlocking processes. In the first place the process of stabilization of Mali and the reconstruction of the State and of the social contract between the State and its citizens. In the second place the international Community should focus increasingly its attention to the regional dimension of the crisis as AQMI and affiliates will engage in asymmetric attacks across the larger Sahara-Sahel region. The third dimension to pay attention to relates to the struggle against radicalization and the spread of religious intolerance. Better approaches are required to fight in this war of ideas and values. The International Community needs a better strategic concept to deal with the crisis in Mali and in the Sahel, integrating all tools at its disposal, military and security, diplomatic, economic and aid cooperation, mediation, etc in a real, and not rhetorical, “comprehensive approach”.