Mali : Islamist advance stopped

Al Qarra– The Malian military has taken back the strategic city of Konna, seized by rebels just a day earlier. While some pockets of resistance persist, the majority of jihadist fighters have moved north of the city.

While French President François Hollande responded to the request for military assistance, acting president Dioncounda Taoré declared a state of emergency. He gave a televised address to the nation yesterday.

Dioncounda Traoré, Acting President of Mali

« The Government of Mali declared a state of emergency throughout the nation. Each and every Malian must now be considered and behave like a soldier of our nation”

The Malian president is relying on aid from France and stated that the intervention is also supported by neighboring countries.