British reinforcement for the operation in Mali
(BRUXELLES2) London was quick to publicly match words with deeds. Downing Street has just confirmed that the United Kingdom will provide logistical support to the French forces engaged in Mali. Two C-17 planes should thus assist the French in material and logistical transport. The first C17 will leave British territory this afternoon and make a stopover in France before returning to Mali, Skynews, the TV channel, has even just announced. It should make it possible to transport equipment and men either directly to Bamako or to N'Djamena - which serves as a logistics base and FHQ for the French operation "Serval". It should also make it possible to transport the troops and equipment of the AFISMA forces, made up of ECOWAS troops (Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Senegal) on the spot.
Telephone interview
The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, spoke well on Saturday evening with President François Hollande, we confirm at 10 Downing street, (joined by B2). “The Prime Minister spoke to President Hollande to discuss the deteriorating situation in Mali and how the UK can support French military assistance being provided to the Malian government to contain rebels and extremist groups in the north of the country. (...) Military logistical aid (will be provided) to help transport foreign troops and equipment quickly to Mali. » « No British troops should fight on the ground” we say in London. This logistical aid will begin with strategic transport aircraft (type C17) but could be accompanied by other aircraft (C-130). And, even if the "10" does not directly confirm the involvement of the British intelligence services, they are also mobilized, according to our information.
National Security Council meeting (UK) Tuesday
In a more political way, the two leaders discussed the situation in Mali — “ a real threat to international security given the terrorist activity — and “the need to work with the Malian government, neighboring countries and international partners to prevent the development of a new terrorist haven at the gates of Europe”. The question of " relaunch the political process conducted under the aegis of the UN, once the advance of the rebels has stopped was also mentioned. The National Security Council should meet on Tuesday in London to " to review the situation in Mali and discuss what needs to be done to achieve a lasting political settlement in Mali”.