Today, I am writing to inform you on the
instability that is currently occurring in Mali, Africa. Information was
obtained from the CNN website under World News. The country of Mali gained
independence from France in 1960. In 1992, a democracy was established, and a
president was elected. Mali became the model of democracy for other countries throughout
Africa. However, in March 2012, there was an uprising of Islamic militants that
has been plaguing the country with instability ever since.
I chose this event because it is an
ongoing war that is not only affecting Mali, but West Africa as a whole.
Additionally, there is international concern that al Qaeda, a terrorist
organization, will establish a haven in Mali during the chaos. This could be
detrimental as Mali is a landlocked country and is hard to access. In the
meantime, the Islamic militants are enforcing their strict interpretation of
the sharia law on the local citizens. This has lead to human rights concerns in
Mali.
Mali citizens’ human rights are
currently being abused by the Islamic militants. The strict sharia law is being
imposed on people who practice a relaxed form of Islam. Music, smoking,
drinking and watching sports on television have been banned. Historic tombs and
shrines have been destroyed. Extreme punishments are being implemented on
mother’s who had children out of wedlock and those who are in relationships
outside of marriage. Public executions, amputations and flogging are now
commonplace. In July, a couple was stoned to death for allegedly having an
affair.
Human rights and suppression of the
al Qaeda terrorist group are international concerns. Many believe military
intervention is needed immediately. On October 12, 2012, the United Nations
(U.N.) had a meeting that was to begin plans for international military
intervention. On October 19, the U.N. announced that the world body is ready
for military planners and security advisors.
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