Amazing Shots from Mali
Since The Big Picture last visited Mali,
the country has slipped further toward chaos, with Islamist rebels
taking large swaths of the north of the country. Attempts by rebels to
move south toward the capital Bamako prompted the intervention of
France, which has supplied troops and carried out airstrikes. Charges
of summary killings and other atrocities by the Malian military have
clouded perceptions of the conflict. West African nations are seeking
aid from the United Nations for a regional force to help France and the
Malian government push back against the rebels. The military force
appears to be working, although it is uncertain if rebels have been
defeated, have fled, or have simply blended in with civilian
populations. Gathered here are images (mostly in the south, where
photographers are able to work) of the daily lives of Malians, portraits
of civilians, and pictures of the increasing military presence. -- Lane Turner
Sélection:
