Analysis of the crisis in northern Mali

As the international community debates military intervention into northern Mali, the need to understand the causes of the crisis and the groups that have perpetuated it have never been more urgent. This chapter provides a diagnosis of the crisis in northern Mali and discusses the policy challenges and risks the international community faces in reaching a resolution. It argues that Bamako’s loss of control over the north is due to longstanding socioeconomic grievances among the Touareg, compounded by complex new threats and developments. The exploitation of the Touareg rebellion by radical Islamist terrorist groups presents a unique and complex challenge not only to Mali but also to the wider region. As military intervention looms, so too does the prospect of protracted conflict that will very likely affect the entire region. Planning will need to look beyond short-term responses to the crisis: sustainable security will depend upon sustainable development.