Small Wars Journal

Can ECOWAS replicate the success of AMISOM in Mali?

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 12:23pm

The long running civil conflict in Mali resumed in January 2012 after several years of fragile peace. The Taureg Malian National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), supported by jihadist groups, rebelled against the central government. The rebels were strongly reinforced by fighters and heavy weapons brought to Mali from Libya following that country’s civil war. Resistance and fighting spread throughout northern Mali before the government took action.

Behind the scenes, the military became increasingly critical of the government’s unwillingness to combat the rebels. In March 2012 the Malian military conducted a coup, splintering into anti- and pro-government factions. The resulting civil conflict resulted in a complete collapse of security in the northern half of the country. By May 2012 the MNLA merged with Ansar Dine, a Taureg Islamist group. Other Islamist groups, such as the The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), quickly rallied to the cause of Taureg rebellion.

The Islamist groups filled the power vacuum and established a de facto state governed by an extremist application of Shariah law. There has been a large influx of “foreign fighters,” many of whom have experience in fighting Jihadist wars in Iraq, Yemen, and Algeria. The Al Qaeda-inspired fighters imposed an extremist form of Sharia, declaring northern Mali an “Islamic” state and precipitating a disaster for the region. They subsequently began destroying Sufi shrines, designated UNESCO world heritage sites, in Timbuktu.

The military coup also resulted in the suspension of Mali’s membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  After a short period of political isolation, Mali was readmitted to ECOWAS in October 2012. The domestic political situation stabilized after formation of a coalition government that included ministers close to the leaders of the March coup. However, the situation in the north has progressively worsened. The Islamists have recently gone on the offensive to conquer more territory.

During the events following the coup, both the regional and international communities were vocal in their condemnation of the situation. However, the UN, the AU, and major donors, chiefly France and United States, were slow to endorse early plans for an outside military intervention. The 11 September attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the killing of four American personnel, to include the US Ambassador, was a catalyst for changing attitudes, amplifying the threat posed by continued international inaction on the northern Mali situation.

This incident highlighted the threat posed by ungoverned space increasingly under the control of Al Qaeda and its allies in Africa. The use of northern Mali as a transit point in all directions of the compass for extremists to conduct operations throughout West Africa with impunity is worrying for security officials watching the region. France has significant economic and political interests throughout West Africa. The US is increasingly concerned about specific threats posed by AQIM to American interests. Many of the regional states themselves have long running conflicts with irredentist Islamic groups inspired by, or aligned with, Al Qaeda.

A military campaign to retake northern Mali looks increasingly likely to happen in 2013. Policy makers should be fully aware of the challenges such a course of action presents tactically, strategically, and politically to achieving the objectives of the intervention force. Success will be hard to achieve. The ECOWAS forces could find themselves in a situation much like NATO in Afghanistan, fighting an insurgency in difficult terrain without clear objectives.

Early indications are that ECOWAS is looking at a mission force of approximately 3300 troops to fight alongside an equal number of Malian troops. This is a very small number of troops to control the terrain of such a vast area as Northern Mali. Some observers are comparing this operation with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) that is an African-led initiative with donors playing a supporting role, particularly in logistics. Will the ECOWAS and Malian forces have the political and popular support to sustain this mission, potentially with significant casualties?

The Somalia campaign has lasted five years resulting in thousands of casualties for AMISOM forces and Somali civilians. Despite clear military success against Al Shabaab on a macro-level and the creation of political space to reinforce these gains, a dangerous insurgency using asymmetric tactics continues in Somalia. Even the US’ own experience in Afghanistan shows initial success by regular troops against irregulars does not guarantee long-term results.

The troop-contributing countries for the intervention force will face significant challenges. Logistically none of the potential participants can self-sustain their forces outside their own borders. Clearly major donor support will be required. The costs of this support are exacerbated by long distances and lack of infrastructure. Despite being the most developed of the AU’s sub-regional organizations ECOWAS has not conducted a combined military operation since its forces deployed to Liberia, where they remain on duty.

The environment intensifies the tactical problems associated with defeating the rebel groups in northern Mali. The desert is harsh, distances long, water scarce and major cities separated by vulnerable lines of communication. There have been several Taureg rebellions since independence in 1960. Each one was hard fought and only ended once a political accord was reached with the central government.

Any military force will still face difficult fighting in northern Mali. However, as in other insurgencies everything will hinge on a concurrent political effort that addresses the concerns of the Taureg peoples. If their support for the Al Qaeda-aligned groups diminishes, the chances of success translating to long-term gains are higher. It is apparent, after several prolonged periods of civil conflict, that the political differences between northern and southern Mali need resolving. This is not just for the benefit of all Malians but also the region. 

Categories: terrorism - insurgency - Al Qaeda - Africa

Comments

Frank Hanson

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 3:21pm

The situation in Mali is arguably a quasi AMISOM case. Indeed, there are credible lessons to draw from AMISOM. Looking at the size of Mali, one is tempted to discount the successes. Jason article reminds me clearly what the situation was in Somalia at the onset of AMISOM. If the IC will approach the Bamako situation just the same way as Mogadishu then we are in for a long haul. As the principal strategic military and aviation planner for AMISOM operations(2007-2010), I can hopeful that Bamako presents a less challenge than Mogadishu.

Thanks Jason, for the paper, but I guess the Bamako approach will have to learn some lessons from AMISOM. Reach me on findmefrank@gmail.com. Long love AMISOM...

hoyawolf

Sat, 01/12/2013 - 2:55am

David,

You raise several good points and I would like to address them. I share your skepticism about an ECOWAS-led intervention. The reporting from last night indicates that Nigeria and Senegal are the only regional partners involved. This is telling for two reasons - they have the most professional/capable militaries in ECOWAS and are both willing to fight. We have yet to see open source reporting on scope of French involvement but it is undoubtedly combat advisors; likely a mix of DGSC, Marine Commandos, and Legionnaires. The capabilities ECOWAS lacks but needs the most are air support and communications.

As I point out in the article above the Malian Army will fight - and wanted to do so early against the MNLA separatists after fighting broke out in early 2012. The government refused to do so. The fall of Libya completely changed the balance of power and its impact on armed groups throughout the Sahel is not fully grasped at this point. Significant amounts of weapons and foreign fighters have reinforced the various Islamist groups. Prior to the fall of Libya AQIM and like groups were not so heavily armed.

Initially AMISOM did only occupy a few blocks around the Mogadishu International Airport. However, this was the extent of their mandate at that time. Once the mandate changed to reinforcing the TFG and allowed offensive action strong international support changed the nature of the conflict is one year. The problems you mention about Somali forces are accurate. However, the issues of desertions and selling equipment were addressed by ensuring Somalis were paid. The elections late in 2012 have created a much more inclusive and supported government than the TFG. The TFG is no longer in existence at all. It is now the government of Somalia.

I can vouch that the Ugandans have no unease in staying in Somalia. They view their efforts there as part of a larger ideological war to drive the last of the colonialists out of Africa. Which is how they view "Arabized Africans" and foreign fighters who make up the extremist leadership of Al Shabaab.

Regardless, as you say the point is now moot in Mali. I think that Western support can sustain and turn the tide as long as we find reliable partners who are committed to staying, despite hardship, political cost, and casualties. Otherwise there is a risk of Mali becoming like Sudan of the 1990s. A base from which to conduct attacks against the West itself or Western interests in the region.

Jason Nicholson
Kampala, Uganda

davidbfpo

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 5:19pm

Jason,

As the discussion on SWC indicates not everyone is convinced that Mali needs an external, Western intervention - slightly moot now the French have intervened. Personally I am sceptical, if not dismissive of the declarations of ECOWAS to intervene with a small 3k force - which has yet to have anyone in Mali.

Why does Mali, a poor country with millions of people need armed foreigners? In previous internal conflicts militias have appeared. Yes they may need equipping and training, but fighting should be left to the people of Mali if fighting is needed. Most of the promised ECOWAS troops will lack even the basics needed to operate in such an environment.

Until very recently few thought ANISOM had achieved much. For most of the time it hung on desperately to parts of Mogadishu, nowhere else. Repeatedly ANISOM, with others helping have recruited, trained and equipped Somalis who have promptly deserted if not joined the opposition. Nor should we overlook the reported unease of Uganda in staying and the effect within Kenya of their joining ANISOM.

Has Somali governance changed? The TFG is happy to get money, much of which cannot be accounted and attend splendid conferences in comfort outside the country.

Is that 'success'?