The dire consequences of Mali’s military focus can be seen in central Mali. Villagers complain of human rights violations by the army and the Russians and a lack of state services. The MINUSMA peacekeeping force fills the gap by replacing non-existant state services such as delivering fuel to police stations or paying for the education of children. The missions also employs thousands of people which will become jobless overnight with its exit - some will join the jihadists or criminals for lack of opportunities. People in central and northern Mali, where jihadists are active, appreciate the work of MINUSMA and want the mission to stay.

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