Mali reeling after coordinated attacks hit multiple cities

In Mali, West Africa, armed groups, including Islamist militants, have launched a large-scale coordinated attack on multiple cities, including the capital, Bamako. The offensive involved heavy gunfire and explosions near government buildings and military sites, leading to flight cancellations at Bamako’s main airport. Similar attacks occurred in Sevare, Kidal, and Gao. The U.S. Embassy advised Americans to stay indoors, while the Malian government, supported by Russian-backed mercenaries, claimed to be repelling the attackers. The attacks were reportedly carried out by militants linked to Al-Qaeda and Tuareg rebels. Mali has faced increasing instability, with a military junta in power since a 2020 coup. The junta has relied on Russian mercenaries after severing ties with France and expelling the UN peacekeeping mission. Despite these efforts, insecurity has worsened, with the Sahel region being a global terrorism hotspot. QUESTION: How might the ongoing instability in Mali impact the future of its young population?