Signs of a Possible Intervention in Mali

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is visiting the capital of Senegal from Aug. 22 to Aug. 23 for talks with his Senegalese counterpart, Macky Sall. Jonathan's visit comes just days after Sall traveled to France, reportedly to discuss French mediation efforts on a low-level rebellion in Senegal's Casamance region.

Bilateral trade is the reported subject of Jonathan's meeting, but the focus is more likely on the unstable security situation in northern Mali, as was Sall's visit to France. The timing of these visits is significant since Mali formed a national unity government on Aug. 20 to replace the ruling military junta. With the junta gone, a critical obstacle to other countries' providing military assistance to the Malian government has been removed, and these meetings may indicate that previously outlined proposals on a military intervention may be close to approval.