Mali has been plagued by internal political violence since its independence. However, the latest episode has
wide international ramifications. The military intervention led by France is a sign that the Mali conflict had
become a threat to regional security. Some elements of the Northern rebellion are connected to terrorist
groups becoming active across the region from Algeria and Libya to Niger. This coming of Al-Qaeda in a
new form has attracted the attention of the major powers. It also represents a challenge to the European
Union. The seminar will look at the root causes of the conflict in Mali and consider the outlook for the
planned EU training mission. What are the prospects that the EU will be drawn into another protracted
Afghanistan-like conflict in Mali? And what can the international community do in order to stabilize the
wider Sahel region?
Speakers:
Dr Yvan Guichaoua, School of International Development, University of East Anglia
Dr Guichaoua’s research focuses on collective political violence, the dynamics of
irregular armed groups and informal governance in West Africa. Previously he has been
involved in research and teaching in Côte d’Ivoire, Yale and Oxford Universities.
Dr Leena Malkki, University Lecturer at the Network for European Studies, University of Helsinki
Dr Malkki’s areas of expertise include terrorism and political violence in western
countries, change and continuity of terrorism, radicalization, and disengagement from terrorism.
Comments: Risto Piipponen, Director General, Department for Africa and the Middle East, Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Chair: Dr Mika Aaltola, Programme Director, the Finnish Institute of International Affairs
For more information, please contact:
Ms Eeva Innola, tel. +358 9 432 7710, eeva.innola@fiia.fi