France perpetrated two large deceptions in conducting its military intervention into Mali six weeks ago. These have been universally accepted in mainstream media reporting.

The first is that the unilateral decision to invade Mali on January 11, 2013 was hastily made, prompted by imminent military threats by Islamic fundamentalist forces against the south of the country where the large majority of Malians live.

 The second is that France intends to quickly exit Mali. "French leaders have said they intend to start pulling out the 4,000 troops in Mali in March to hand over security to the Malian army and to the U.N.-backed AFISMA force, an African military contingent…" says a typical report in the Chicago Tribune on February 18.

Speakers:

Ameth Lo, Group of Research and Initiative for the Liberation of Africa (GRILA)

Sid Lacombe, anti-war activist and member of the International Socialists

While Harper has denied and continued Canadian colonialism, he is joining imperial intervention in Mali. Ten years ago the Canadian government tried to join the Iraq War, but were stopped by a mass anti-war movement. Join a discussion about the current situation in Mali, the lessons of the anti-war movement, and how we can support anti-colonial movements abroad and at home.

Organized by the International Socialists www.socialist.ca