Mali: the worth of African troops MISMA?

International Mission Support in Mali (MISMA) shakes (here in Bamako, a company of the Nigerian Army,  Finally. In an emergency, after months of diplomatic negotiations within ECOWAS.

France has responded to the call with the Malian government. But she looks forward to handing over, at least in the first line, the African force which should rise to 2,000 troops by January 26, as the Malian army need to be trained.

Remains to fund and organize the famous MISMA ... Especially since it is "the total conquest of Mali".

The dialectic during the French side is very accurate. It is systematically put forward troops of the regular army Mali notoriously disorganized and poorly equipped. But on Monday, when it comes to evoke the reconquest of Diabaly Douentza and the Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, chooses his words carefully: "The Malian army advanced towards the towns held by their enemies is a success for certain military government in Bamako and the French forces intervening in support of these operations. "

Phrases carefully chosen to avoid offending Mali, for fear of return on dubious charges "French" leave the door open outlet if adverse events should continue. So we summarize: the Malian soldiers advance, these are their enemies, the French are in support. Which is probably far from the reality on the ground.

Very quickly indeed, 450 mentors of the European Union (with about 200 French BIMA the 9th and 3rd BM, mechanized brigade) should begin EUTM Mali (European Union training mission), mission training Malian forces. A little late to the events ...

Will he the same with the African force, the MISMA (International Mission Support Mali)? First thing, the ECOWAS countries (European Community of States in West Africa) feel the urgency finally recognized Saturday in Abidjan during the tenth meeting of the Malian case.

"The operation Serval does not aim to replace the MISMA"

Forces of the African Misma expected in Mali

Economic Community of the States of West Africa (ECOWAS) has formed an intervention force, in accordance with resolution 2085 of the Security Council of the UN, to help Bamako to regain control of northern Mali, busy by armed Islamist groups. This force, the International Mission Support in Mali (Misma) will be headed by a Nigerian general, Shehu Abdulkadir. Chad, which is not part of ECOWAS, has also promised to send a contingent of 2000 men. In total, more than 5600 soldiers from the African continent should be made in Mali and eventually taking over the French army.

Since January 17, some 150 African troops arrived in Bamako. By January 26, 2000 should be to have joined the Malian territory. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Désiré Ouedraogo Kadré, has urged the international community to "mobilize" to complete the financing of the Misma. According to him, a "preliminary assessment" is required to "500 million dollars" (some 375 million). The European Union has decided to participate in the funding of 50 million euros.

For its part, France has deployed 2,000 men in Mali, a figure that will soon reach 2,500 soldiers. The French operation commenced on January 11 Mali "is not intended to replace the action of Misma," said the French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, January 19, at the opening of a peak on the West African Malian crisis. African force should be deployed "as soon as possible, and this is the object of our meeting," he added.

The European Union agreed on Jan. 17 to deploy a mission to train and reorganize the Malian army, composed of 450 men, including 200 teachers, from mid-February.

Here are the details of the participating African countries Misma:

Nigeria : 1200 men

On January 17, fifty Nigerians arrived in Bamako on the quota of 1,200 men promised Abuja. A staff is already present in the Malian capital.

Togo : 540 men

The 17 January 40 Togolese soldiers arrived in Bamako on the total quota, an infantry battalion of 540 men.

Niger : 500 men

The battalion is currently stationed in the region Ouallam (north of Niamey), near the Malian border.

Military support of Western countries in Mali

A dozen countries, mainly Western, provide military support, including transportation, to the French operation "Serval" in Mali, according to figures released Monday, Jan. 21 by the French Ministry of Defence. Western countries involved including transportation of troops and equipment to the strength of countries in West Africa, which begins to unfold in Mali, and lack of transportation.

Britain has two transport aircraft C-17 available to the Air Force for missions routing equipment from France or in the conflict zone.

The United States make available intelligence resources and a C-17, including forces to help African countries to visit Mali.

Germany participates with two C-160 for cargo transport and health of troops Misma, the strength of the West African countries, as well as an Airbus A-310.

Read: Mali: Berlin puts two aircraft available, Washington will follow

Denmark has provided a C-130 for a period of three months.

Belgium sent two C-130 and a capacity of evacuation (two helicopters Agusta 109 medicalized), according to figures from the defense.

Serval operation: immediate boarding for the 92nd RI

92erégiment two companies of infantry (92eRI) Clermont-Ferrand, prepare to be deployed in Mali Operation Serval.

January 12: Cheetah alert is triggered for the raptors 4ecompagnie who had already VBCI. For one week, she prepared and "collisé" its equipment.

January 18, 2013: 34 infantrymen 1eet 4ecompagnie have seen the armored vehicles of infantry combat (VBCI) park warning of 5ebase support equipment Carpiagne (5eBSMAT).

January 19: raptors arrived by bus, Miramas to the assembly area and wait for the army 503erégiment train (503eRT). She joined units of the Army about to be projected.

Early Lessons From France Mali's Action Emerge

A single round of small-arms fire hit French Army Lt. Damien Lame as he flew a helicopter over Mali Gazelle attack on the afternoon of January 11. The bullet severed artery in his leg year, and although he and his co-pilot the helicopter Brought back to base, the French Army Air Corps officer died from his wound.

Small-arms fire in the same actions forced the pilot of a second Gazelle to land the heavily damaged aircraft, a defense official said. A third back-up helicopter flying nearby with a rescue team picked up the crew and destroyed the downed helicopter.

French Forces Were ble to Quickly sponds to Islamist insurgents and Tuareg As They headed Toward Bamako in Mali Because strife-torn equipment Such as Gazelle helicopters was prepositioned in the region. Such light, simple and inexpensive equipment allows rapid intervention goal as the death of Boiteux and the loss of the second helicopter shows, there is a price to pay.

That's just one of the lessons to emerge in immediate days after the French President François Hollande That gave the order unleashed French Air Force Mirages, Rafales and light attack helicopters against two columns of motorized vehicles and 200 rebel fighters headed 1.200 Toward the capital.

Besides by the pros and cons of light, simple kit, the past of fighting Few Days Have Shown That budget is still wracked France willing to project power, while prepositioned bases and reliable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) REMAIN crucial, analysts said.

Those themes are emerging as France draws up a white paper on defense and security, prepared for the new multiyear military budget and seeks to relaunch a European defense initiative as a counter to Spending cuts.

The Gazelle is an "old chopper" that lacks protection goal was France ble to launch into the work force so Quickly Because Have Such light, "rustic" equipment, Said Etienne de Durand, director of security studies at the French Institute think tank Relations international.

This shows the advantage of keeping kinds of platforms thesis Rather Than Relying totally on modern, sophisticated equipment, Which is expensive, Heavier and difficulty to deploy, he said.

France and other nations must Maintain ranks of equipment has to face not just aim symmetrical asymmetrical terrorism threats, rebel fighters Such as in pickup trucks, experts said. That simplicity of equipment is linked to quantity.

"You need numbers - troops, planes and equipment," Durand said. A large number of troops is required, you need to be Rotated units, aircraft and equipment while in aussi numbers are needed, not just a FEW high-tech units.

Credit SIRPA Earth ADC JC Thorel

To boost striking power, France is rushing to Mali the Tiger attack helicopter, Which armor on the sides caries and cockpit floor, and a 30mm cannon in a turret, a source familiar with the circumstances said.

"The Tiger is engaged," Army Col.. Told journalists Thierry Burkhard January 18. An air mobility unit of around 15 helicopters for maneuver, support and logistics will be Formed in Mali, he said.

The Gazelle HAS fixed 20mm cannon, requiring the helicopter to be lined up with the threat Directly to fire, Whereas the Tiger can fly in parallel, with crew icts protected by the armored side, and fire from the rotating turret under the cockpit.

Along the ranks of the Tiger's gun cuts the risk from AK-47s and light machine guns.

Day 10 of the intervention in Mali: French forces are deployed to the North

This 10th day of French military intervention in Mali, French forces are deployed to the north, Russia offers its military aid to France, and already some, including the Tuareg National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad trying to position themselves for the post-crisis.

The course of Day 10:

 (In hour from Montreal and, in parentheses, Paris time, for Bamako, subtract 1 hour Paris time)
8:32 (2:32 p.m.)

The Algerian Minister of Communication Mohamed Said warned Sunday, January 20 as the death toll of the attack against the website of Amenas gas in the Algerian Sahara, a terrorist group that called for an end to military intervention in Mali, might be "revised upwards" after a first preliminary assessment Official 23 dead and 32 attackers were killed.

Moreover, referring to the authorization granted by the Algiers overflight by French fighter planes en route to Mali, Algerian minister re-emphasized, however, on a political solution in the country.

8:30 (14:30)

The Arab and Tuareg in Mali are victims of abuse and acts of revenge after the liberation of towns and villages that had been taken by the jihadists were assured on Sunday in Bamako their representatives, calling for harmony and reconciliation national, AFP reported.

"There have been abuses, violations of home. How? I do not have the exact figures. It is not worth mention, they should not be repeated, "said the press Oumrani Mohamed, president of Al-Carama" Alliance of the Arab community in Mali. "

7:45 (13:45)

Regular French forces are deployed in Mali to the north, taking place in cities and Niono Sévaré, said Sunday, January 20 Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Dosseur spokesman Bamako operation Serval.

MALI: unknown African troops

2000 African soldiers of the International Mission of Support in Mali (Misma) must be made by January 26 to support the French troops. But will they be operational?

Applauded by many Africans and especially Mali, the French intervention in the Sahel reassuring. After the sky, it's time to see the ground intensify the fighting: tanks seek to counter Islamist infiltration. All this awakens the critical consciousness of the citizen, now convinced of the sad reality that African countries are not governed and their armies are an empty shell!

Difficult to oppose this assertion when facing the enemy, the elements of national armies flee. The military offensive following the crisis Mali learned a lot. Certainly, the lead responsibility France, which has the means. But, it is also recognized that it was able to take the lead. Why wait alertness and determination of the French President, François Hollande, to finally feel the relief on the emergence of African peoples once and today reassured anxious? The slow mobilization of African troops seriously contrast with the speed in decision-making and mobilization of French troops.

London and Washington to send troops to exclude the Maghreb

British and American Ministers of Defence said they were determined to fight Saturday against the actions of Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb during a press conference devoted to the hostage crisis in Algeria, but they excluded send troops in the region.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and his British counterpart Philip Hammond have refused to criticize the management of the Algiers hostage on the site of gas In Aménas. It ended Saturday in the blood after a new intervention Algerian forces against the kidnappers, members of a group close to Al-Qaeda

Algerians "are in the area, they understand the terrorist threat certainly better than many other countries. I think it is important to continue to work with them to develop a regional approach," said U.S. Secretary of Defense , visiting London as part of a European tour.

This loss of life during the taking of hostages "are appalling and it must be clear that it is the terrorists who bear full responsibility," commented Philip Hammond for his part, stressed that "each country had different approaches. "

"We are determined to defeat terrorism and to be alongside the Algerian government," he added.

He launched a warning to "those behind the attack and must be fully convinced that the power of the United States, the United Kingdom and their allies will befall them and they will no place to hide. "

White House, Pentagon 'disagree over Mali'

LOS ANGELES — The White House and the US Defense Department are at odds over the danger posed by radical Islamic groups that have taken control of parts of Mali and are stirring up trouble in other parts of West Africa, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Citing unnamed US officials, the newspaper said the events in Mali and neighboring Algeria have prompted sharp debate within President Barack Obama's administration over whether these radicals present enough of a risk to warrant a military response.

Islamist militants associated with Al-Qaeda have seized control of a significant part of northern Mali, prompting France to launch a military operation there a week ago to prevent the rebels from capturing Bamako, the capital.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that Paris had increased its troop numbers by 400 in a single day, from 1,400 Thursday to 1,800, "and the progress on our presence on the ground continues."

France plans to deploy 2,500 soldiers in the country.

As they watch these events unfold, some top Pentagon officials and military officers warn that without more aggressive US action, Mali could become a haven for extremists, akin to Afghanistan before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the report said.

The West Africa calls for broader mobilization in Mali

 The West African leaders gathered Saturday in Abidjan called for broader international engagement in military operations in Mali, where French and Malian soldiers fighting armed Islamist groups, pending the deployment of an African peacekeeping force.

The time has come for a broader engagement (...) order greater solidarity tied around France and Africa in the war against terrorism and multifaceted Mali, said the head of the Ivorian Ouattara.

We must go beyond our current staff with international support, he added.

Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), Mr. Ouattara was speaking at the opening of a summit to accelerate the deployment of the regional force in Mali, in the presence of President Acting Dioncounda Malian Traore.

Chadian President Idriss Deby - whose country is not part of ECOWAS but promised to send 2,000 troops - and the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius also participate.

Regional force, called the International Mission Support in Mali (Misma) has been mandated by the UN to help Mali to regain control of the north of the country, occupied for over nine months by armed Islamist groups that have multiplied abuses.

Special Forces at contact (FOB)

The French deployment continues: 1800 soldiers, to date, on the ground Mali. In total, 2,700 French troops are now involved in the operation Serval (device Hawk Chad, headquarters in Dakar, Licorne in Côte d'Ivoire ...). While African forces arrive gradually. Those of ECOWAS (which include strength MISMA four battalions of 500 soldiers), whose staff is already in Bamako 80 armed soldiers.

Finally those Chadian: a total of 2000 trained soldiers will be sent by N'Djamena: 150 Chadians have arrived in Niamey, Niger.

In parallel, in Bamako, GAM (Airmobile Group) is gaining momentum with 15 helicopters (1st and 5th RHC), the last-born French helicopter gunships, Tiger.

A surgical unit is already deployed to Bamako, capable of carrying a dozen operations per day.

Ground fighting imply for the moment that the Malian army, who has just resumed Konna. No French forces are involved so far to combat actions. Except of course special forces. Obviously, no information filter their actions ... But they fulfill two missions: "They liaise between Malian and French armies come and support if necessary" stated tonight Colonel Thierry Burkhard, spokesman for the General Staff Armed Forces (EMA). To this we can add the main mission of Special Forces: intelligence. And it is fundamental in a theater of operation as large and faced with an enemy so mobile.

Because in combat actions, the jihadists will not have it. And they are well aware. Their advantage is surprise. They proved it with the attack on the "West Zone" to Diabali. And this is most likely a race war that will install. The enemy, not having the advantage of firepower, should move from one place to another. In military terms, this is called a "rocker effort." In contact with the French forces, the rebels quickly décrocheront to attack farther to another location. Toyota is in this role formidable.

France uses war to boost Rafale Mali jet

France is Exploiting the deployment of Dassault Rafale jets against Islamic militants fighting in Mali to boost efforts to clinch a deal for $ 10 one billion multirole aircraft of the 60 with the United Arab Emirates.

Clearly the French are hoping lightning will strike twice That.

Won a hotly contested Dassault fighter competition in January 2012 When India Awarded the French aviation giant one billion year contract for $ 11 126 Rafales in the wake of the jet's debut fight in the NATO offensive against Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

The Indian deal, one of the biggest military aviation deals ever, was a lifesaver for the Rafale.

Dassault, heavily backed by the French government, HAD beens battling for years to land icts land icts first foreign customer for the delta-wing aircraft in the Developed 1980s.

Its only buyers Were the French air force and navy, aggressive sales campaign year DESPITE personally endorsed and driven by President Nicolas Sarkozy When he was in office.

In the Indian deal, the Rafael's Typhoon Eurofighter beat out in the final round. Lockheed Martin's F-16 and Boeing's F/A-18 HAD beens Earlier Eliminated.

The Indian deal Revitalized Dassault and the Elysee Palace. Now Sarkozy's successor, Francois Hollande, is leading the charge.

Holland last week ordered the French air force strikes against jihadist to launch fighters in Mali, a French colony form in northwest Africa, and gusts led the assault, taking off from year airbase in southern France and landing in Chad, another form French territory.

Guest RFI: A. Danjean, Chairman of the Subcommittee "security and defense" of the European Parliament

The French Ministry of Defence assured Friday afternoon told AFP there was "no combat Diabali at this time", suggesting that the city center of the country had not been taken to Islamist fighters.

"There is no fight Diabali at this time", it was reported to the Ministry shortly before 5:30 p.m. in Paris. Shortly before regional security source confirmed the words of an elected city that Diabali was now under the control of French forces and Mali.

The support of the French forces Touareg negotiating behind the scenes

The signing of a cease-fire with the Malian government could mark the entry secular MNLA rebels in battle.

While French soldiers were working yesterday to drive the Islamists concentrated Diabaly, 400 km north of Bamako, the Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) renewed their offer of support. According to the French Robert Dulas , a specialist Tuareg MNLA close, an agreement is being discussed.

The MNLA is really able to help?

They have the best fighters and they have an extraordinary knowledge of the field. But they have more ammunition and fuel. This is the reason why they did not fight when Gao and Timbuktu were taken. They expect with Westerners. Their position is ideal. They are a force of 1100 to 1200 men. They could take pincer Islamist militias who fled to the south. The opening of the second front would stop the spread of these fighters in the no man's land in Algeria, Niger, Nigeria and Libya.

France is ready to build on this extra strength?

When the fighting will move into the area of ​​the Azawad over Gao and Timbuktu, their help will be needed. Must be familiar with the area to get involved. It's like Afghanistan. Contacts have been made with France, things are finalized. But it is not simple. There are difficulties to help a movement that is still considered a rebel.

Exactly, how can it be associated with an approach that aims to reinstate the territorial integrity of Mali?

MNLA's claims have evolved. Today, he wants an agreement for a more equitable management of northern Mali. A meeting was held in Ouagadougou on January 21 between all parties to the conflict in Mali. It has not been canceled. The MNLA could use that time to meet the Malian authorities and implement a cease-fire. Therefore, nothing would prevent his men to go to war alongside the French troops and ECOWAS. This would be a turning point in the conflict.

Mali: Paris hopes reinforcements EU

The head of French diplomacy Laurent Fabius does not mean that the countries of the European Union decided to send reinforcements to support the French contingent in its operation against Islamists in Mali.

"It is quite possible that European countries decide not only to provide the logistics, but also to provide soldiers," said M.Fabius after a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the EU in Brussels.

However, he added, "we can not force them to do it," because "there are limits to the policy of security and defense."

According to the French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, 1,400 French soldiers have arrived in Mali to fight the Islamists in the north African country. The operation called Serval began with air strikes on enemy positions. Thursday, the French army began the ground phase.

Britain says Gives medium to strong French Mali Mission

Britain is giving strong Logistical Support in Mali, Where France is leading international efforts to repel Islamic rebels, Europe Minister David Lidington said.

"We have Given the Logistical Support our Which French partners have asked for," he Told reporters on arrival at a meeting of foreign affairs Ministers in Brussels, Reuters reports.

Mali. A failure of the concept of battlegroups

If the European reaction may be welcomed, the French operation "Serval" has made an indirect victim ... the European battlegroups. On paper, all meant in effect a "battlegroup" European power to intervene, at least the second time.

All legal and political elements came together - an international context, a European consensus, a legitimate request of the State, ... -. Most doctrinal elements are also present crisis out of a European territory, less than 6,000 km of Brussels, where rapid response is required before the relay to another force ...

Finally, the operational concept provides for such missions. " The battle groups can be employed for the full fan spots enumerated in Article 43, paragraph 1, of the Treaty on European Union and those set forth in the European Security Strategy . "These include among these actions: "the missions of combat forces in crisis management, including missions r peacemaking ... "as the goal of" contributing to the fight against terrorism, including by supporting given to third countries in combating terrorism in their territories . " It is therefore understandable that we are "stack" in an operation type "Serval" or rather EUFOR Mali.

Adding that the military component of these battlegroups are educated and trained for it. According to an expert in the seraglio European consulted by B2, which describes the official doctrine of Battlegroup: "They are trained to fight and the best way to take advantage of all the extent of their capabilities would be used for missions of forces fighting in crisis management, due to their limited size . '