Mali's military has been locked in conflict with Islamist militias in the desertous northern provinces since NATO's destruction of Libya in 2011 destabilized the Sahara region. Former colonial ruler France joined Mali's fight in 2013, but as the war drags on it has become increasingly unpopular, especially as civilian deaths at French hands mount.
In the wake of a coup d'etat by the Malian military last week, the African Union has voted to suspend Mali and has threatened sanctions against the Sahelian nation if a civilian-led government is not restored. This follows a similar decision on Sunday by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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