FRENCH COUNTERINSURGENCY IN MALI BEFORE AND AFTER THE COUP D'ÉTAT OF 2020 : Fallout from Task Force Takuba's Operational Activities

Abstract

The civil war in Mali is one of the longest-running conflicts in the African Sahel region. The conflict is now a typical example of an asymmetric conflict, with nation-state forces on one side and non-state armed actors on the other. This article describes the roots of the conflict, its evolution, France's involvement in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, and the operational activities of Task Force Takuba. Finally, it provides an assessment of the overall issue, including an assessment of whether the objectives for which Task Force Takuba was formed have been met.