French and African leaders are pledging to counter al-Qaida-backed violence in East and West Africa with more military force in the aftermath of suicide bombings in Uganda and the killing of a French aid worker in Mali. The United States has also pledged more military help in the continent’s widening fight against terrorism. But, some analysts are concerned whether this is the most effective approach.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon went on French radio Tuesday to say his country was at war with al-Qaida.
He said the French military has been cooperating for several months with Mauritania’s army to combat al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb regional terrorist group.