Mali crisis: EU troops begin training mission

Soldiers from a number of European Union countries have begun on 02.04.13 a mission to train Mali's national army. The West African country has been forced to seek outside help in its battle against Islamist insurgents.

Of the 550 troops from 22 EU nations sent to Mali, about 150 are trainers with the rest made up of mission support staff and force protection.

France is the biggest contributor to the force with 207 troops, followed by Germany with 71, Spain with 54, Britain 40, the Czech Republic 34, Belgium 25 and Poland 20.

• Primary Source

Deutesche Welle, 02.04.13: EU military trainers begin task of 'rebuilding' Mali's army http://www.dw.de/eu-military-trainers-begin-task-of-rebuilding-malis-army/a-16714124

BBC News, 09.04.13: Mali crisis: France in big offensive against Islamists http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22065468

France 24, 09.04.13: France begins major strike on Mali Islamists near Gao http://www.france24.com/en/20130408-france-mali-islamists-major-operation-gustav-gao

France 24, 10.04.13: Mali gives Hollande new camel after first one eaten by caretakers http://www.france24.com/en/20130410-mali-hollande-new-camel-after-first-one-eaten

France 24, 11.04.13: US slams African force as French begin Mali pullout http://www.france24.com/en/20130410-usa-slams-africa-force-ecowas-france-troop-withdrawal

France 24, 26.04.13: UN approves Mali peacekeeping force http://www.france24.com/en/20130425-un-security-council-approves-peacekeeping-force-mali-islamist

BBC News, 29.04.13: French soldier killed by northern Mali roadside bomb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22346762

BBC News, 30.05.13: French Islamist captured 'after fighting' in Mali http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22365913

France 24, 01.05.13: Gilles Le Guen, Breton sailor who 'followed bin Laden' http://www.france24.com/en/20130501-france-mali-gilles-le-guen-osama-bin-laden

BBC News, 15.05.13: EU to pledge 520m euros for Mali reconstruction http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22535265

ESO: Background information: EU prepares mission to train Malian army http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-prepares-mission-to-train-malian-army/

BBC News, 31.12.13: Mali crisis: France announces big troop cuts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25561019

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