We must act now in Mali

It is great and even timely that France and other African countries have begun intervening in Mali to regain rebel-held towns, and stop the advance of Islamist extremists who last week reportedly took the strategic central town of Konna in a renewed offensive.

Indeed, the appalling situation in the north of Mali, key among them the perennial instability, lack of security and the countless loss of valuable properties and even the loss of lives in the name of Sharia law, needs urgent action to save millions of lives.

According to the BBC, France’s military went into action against Islamist militants in Mali on Friday, helping government forces recapture the central town of Konna.

While many people, including foreign powers and even Africans are divided on the best approach to the crisis in Mali, we believe that it is only such interventions that can stop the advance of the Islamists.

Since the military coup in April this year Mali, which has over the years enjoyed stability, has experienced severe instability, lack of security and countless troubles.

There is this fear that without any urgent action, the blood of many women, children and the most vulnerable of the society will continue to be spilled in that country.

Many African countries are still suffering from conflicts, whether manifest or simmering. So, if we as Africans fail to pay more attention to the situation in some of these countries, it is only natural that things like this one would sooner or later lead to a catastrophe.

And who suffers? It is mostly the women and children.

It is for these reasons, and a host of others, that our leaders should act now and take the threat posed by the Islamist extremists in Mali as a serious one.

We should take urgent measures to save the lives of Malians, especially women and children. They must act now, by taking the lead to rescue the people in Mali, and other countries in the continent.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.”

Dr. Seuss