Political Vacuum Exists in Mali Despite French Presence

Though many Islamic militants have been expelled political stability is left wanting

GAO, Mali, March 29 (UPI) -- Malians are forced to go it alone because of the political vacuum that exists despite French liberation from Islamic militants, a local militia leader said.

Mali in January called in military support from former colonial power France. Control over northern Mali fell to Islamic militants, including al-Qaida, following an early 2012 coup.