Mali Affirmations

[Jamie]

​

Involved in the creation of the 'Alliance for Democracy in Mali' and having become President of the country in 1992, Alpha Oumar Konaré was no stranger to confrontation and his presence alone invited challenge. Since his successful election, the country witnessed economic growth, developed new correspondence with other countries and placed the landlocked nation back on the map. In the last six months, this growth had become turbulent with the rising of a fierce terrorist group who thus far, had only been identified as supporters of Al-Queda; unaware of other groups or allegiances that may be intertwined. Their very existence saw wide-spread conflict across the region with the under-equipped Malian Armed Forces responding in just; with approximately 7,300 active personnel, the army was spread thin to fight the expanding threat of terrorism and loyalties to the government were becoming strained. Every day publications were hand delivered to the Konaré administration to confirm attacks that had happened in the country for the day before, ranging from the detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices, ambushes against officials and military movements and to also verify on the actions taken by the Malian Armed Forces to react. It wasn't good news. The report had identified that an attack on a suspected terrorist compound by Mali Special Forces saw two dead, marked as 'Collateral Damage'. Further insight revealed the two dead were brother and sister, both aged 5 which occurred in a misfire incident. Details like this weren't uncommon but it never got easier.

The conclusion of the morning briefing was always a relief. Normally, the day would continue with routine administration and catching up with other affairs. Today was the summoning of the Assemblee Nationale which had one agenda; to discuss the ongoing threat of terrorism within the countries borders. One by one, members of the assembly arrived at the building, brief cases in hand ready to start what was likely to be hours of discussions and planning. The debate would start after introductions and statistics about the growing concern of terrorism. Questions kept being raised at the President about his handling of the situation among other things. During this time, security on the outside remained lax. Despite its growing economy, training and investment in security forces was minimum. Officers in their blue overalls, no body armor and armed with AK-47 Rifles stood with their weapons slung and conversing with one another. This didn't go unnoticed. Across the street, eyes gazed upon the figures who were deep in thought. From the corner of the building, two men began their approach to the entrance.

There was apt opportunity for the two men approaching from the south. Carrying AKS-74U Carbines underneath their bogolanfini shirts, the unsuspecting and oblivious Mali Security Force didn't see them coming. They steadied their aim, exposing the front end of their barrels on the two guards before firing. This provoked terror in the streets as crowds screamed, fleeing the area. They progressed into the Assembly, firing at anyone in their field of view. During that time, the military had been alerted and begun the deployment of Malian Special Forces with police backup en-route. The smallish building made it easier to navigate, and finding the government officials unchallenging. Breaching the doors to the sight of cowering politicians, crouched behind their chairs. Resembling a slaughter house and with no opposition, the rounds from the assault rifles spiraled across the room, ripping through the furniture with the goal of executing everyone. There was a deafening noise echoing from the room, then only silence. Assessing their work, the two men reviewed each body, looking to identify the President and the other senior figures.

They could not be found.

Frustrated that they're unable to confirm the death of their target; an argument broke out wasting valuable time. Side doors sprung open from the readiness of the Malian Special Forces. Methodically working through the room, the two men had no choice but to surrender, each concealing a hand. The 12-strong military unit advanced to arrest the pair while the medics hurried to treat those shot, expecting to be announcing a number of deaths. Despite surrendering, the two men spoke simultaneously, "Allahu Akbar" followed by explosions ripping the entire building apart, the emergency services looked on in horror. It was now a recovery not just for government officials, but that of the Special Forces Unit that entered.

Beneath the surface, the President and the senior advisors escaped through a tunnel system that led from the assembly building to a safe house where a military general waited. The Presidents eyes set on General Diarra, "Contact the British Government... the situation is now beyond our capabilities."

 

[Jamie]

Later in the week, arrangements had been made for the British First Secretary, Taylor Heart, to engage with the Malian President via a video call. Confined to a safe house with military security, the lack of presence from the government since the bombing had shown an escalation in combat in the northern region as more support fell onto the Al-Queda group. Firefights were becoming more regular and towns deserted, or dominated by armed men who pray on the weak. Stripping goods from the towns, forcing men to join the 'cause' and raping the women. This was a growing, and escalating situation whilst the overwhelmed armed forces retained their position on the border between North and South. Despite a patchy reception, the call between the British and Malian Governments commenced, overlooking the courtesies, it was right down to business.

President, Oumar Konaré
"Thank you very much for your time, as you will be aware, time is of the essence. The bombing of our Nationale Assembly is a crime, and a crime that needs to see the perpetrators brought to justice! The North has become a savage wasteland, and support of my government is becoming... less. Democracy and been voted out is one thing, but this is a hostile take over and my people are suffering. Our Forces are working to hold their ground and push back but we are struggling and need assistance."

First Secretary, Taylor Heart
"I have reviewed the events that were reported in Mali, my condolences go to you and the families of those lost in the attacks. The United Kingdom has always had a strict policy against terrorism and we would not be conducting our duty if we didn't aim to prevent and support others. However, I have to be mindful of the support we can offer. This isn't a war we can fight for you --"

President, Oumar Konaré
"-- Nor do we expect you to fight for us, we are seeking support assets from the air, and potentially assets to be attached to our Special Forces units. Special Operations are depleting and support from your own would permit operations to continue."

The conversation carried on for around 3 hours, going into further detail of the requirements which was identified as air support and special forces on the ground to support Mali Operations. Discussions then went into other parties and a mandate of what was expected from the Mali Government to reform, and what would be expected by British Forces on the ground. Concluding with a summary of what was needed for the First Secretary to deliver his report to the Government who would be responsible for making a decision.