Such seems to be the public sentiment here in Bamako. French flags flutter from moped handlebars, and are draped across the fronts of verandas and the backs of cars and trucks. France now has 1,400 troops on the ground, and the first 100 non-Malian African troops (out of a projected 3,300) arrived yesterday. It seems the latent threat of neocolonialism is less pressing than the very real threat of a terrorist takeover of the country. In any event, but official and public sentiment here is very much pro-French.
I'm not going to attempt to recap the situation in Mali; if you're interested, the English-language website of France 24 is good for in-depth reporting, and the BBC for accurate summaries of the latest news. Bamako is rife with rumors of suicide-bombers and terrorist sleeper-cells, but that's nothing new, and none of the major international media have picked up on anything. So, either everyone's being hysterical, or the authorities are hushing things up, or the news hasn't made it out of the country yet, or a combination of all those things. There's lots of police checkpoints now, though I haven't been hassled.
Thanks to all those who sent letters of concern or encouragement. I feel safe in Bamako, and have no plans to leave in the immediate future, either for another city or region within Mali, or for elsewhere in the world. My studies of traditional Malian music continue apace, to the extent that I've recorded myself playing a traditional song, Apollo, on the kora. My timing and tone could definitely use some work, but that's what practice is for, and I'm happy with the ornaments and solos I've come up with on my own. Essentially, my teacher taught me the basics of this song (its chord progression and basic melody) and I came up with all the rest. I've still got a ways to go, but I'm starting to get a pretty good feel for the technical side of being a kora player. I'll be curious to see what you all think...
Other than that, not much to report. I'm doing well, and plan to be back in the States in May. Questions, concerns, greetings, and gossip can all be sent to me at waraden.diabate@gmail.com. Have a nice weekend!
