Mali says terrorism still a struggle

Mali's prime minister says a lack of government control in parts of the country has led to an increase in terrorism and an anxious population.

"My fellow citizens are living in the grip of armed terrorist groups who deny them their most elementary rights, "Choguel Kokalla Maïga, Prime Minister of Mali said. "The threats posed by terrorism continue to afflict our people."

That anxiety has returned in the months since the French military announced it plans to withdraw thousands of troops here after years of leading the fight against jihadism in Mali's north under Operation Barkhan.

"The new situation resulting from the end of Operation Barkhan puts Mali before a fait accompli, abandoning us mid-flight to a certain extent, and it leads us to explore pathways and means to better ensure our security autonomously, Maiga said.