French Victories in Mali

France registered several major victories over the Islamist rebels in Mali this past weekend. Most importantly, French and French-led forces have all but retaken the key cities of Gao and Timbuktu. That leaves only the major city of Kidal still in Islamist hands along with a scattering of smaller towns and villages.

As my infographic below illustrates, the combined French–Malian force struck out from central Mali along two different axes of advance: one headed towards Gao and the other towards Timbuktu. The African forces of Niger and Chad are flanking the Islamists in and around Gao while other African forces are expected to establish patrols in the cities and towns retaken by the French–Malian force.

Click for the full-size image.

A weekend of French advances
A weekend of French advances

Author: Brendan Barry

I am a graphic designer who focuses on information design. My day job? Well, they asked me not to say. But to be clear, this blog is my something I do on my own time and does not represent the views of…my employers. I think what I can say is that given my interest in information design—be it in the shape of clear charts, maps, diagrams, or wayfinding systems—I am fortunate that my day job focuses on data visualisation. Outside of work, I try to stay busy with personal design work. Away from the world of design, I have become an amateur genealogist and family historian. You will sometimes see that area of work bleed into my posts.

2 thoughts on “French Victories in Mali”

  1. Had some trouble loading the page, but I kept trying for several days and finally got it. What is most surprising is my ignorance of this conflict. I’m impressed at the amount of work and purpose that had to involve you. Very detailed. I am a sucker for maps. By the way, what piqued your interest in this particular subject? Inquiring minds want to know.

  2. John, sorry it took a little while to get back to you. I’ll look into the page not loading. I was interested in it because despite being a large internationally-flavoured military operation, the United States is not really participating. And because of that lack of participation there is a lack of media interest, and thus readily accessible information to US audiences. I was hoping to try and fill in the gap, at least to the best my time and abilities permitted.

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