Al Qarra– The Malian military has taken back the strategic city of Konna, seized by rebels just a day earlier. While some pockets of resistance persist, the majority of jihadist fighters have moved north of the city.<br /><br />While French President François Hollande responded to the request for military assistance, acting president Dioncounda Taoré declared a state of emergency. He gave a televised address to the nation yesterday.<br /><br />Dioncounda Traoré, Acting President of Mali<br /><br />« The Government of Mali declared a state of emergency throughout the nation. Each and every Malian must now be considered and behave like a soldier of our nation”<br /><br />The Malian president is relying on aid from France and stated that the intervention is also supported by neighboring countries.
