The Buckingham

Map of the war stricken country, Mali. Photo credit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20907386

According to military officials in France, the central town of Konna has not been recaptured by government forces. The false claim, made by the Malian army, was originated after both the Malian and French troops were heading towards the town to take action.

BBC Paris reported that the French Defense Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drain, told reporters that, “at this time, the town of Konna has still not been recaptured by the Malian armed forces.”

The war, which started in March and April of last year, was supposedly linked to al-Qaeda. Now, almost a year later, French military men and women are still fighting to recapture the now war stricken town.

It was also reported by BBC News that France’s intervention has “prompted concerns for the welfare of eight French hostages kidnapped in the area over the past two years.”

There are roughly 145,000 Malian refugees that have been displaced due to the war, and President Francois Hollande said, “those who have taken them captive should reflect. There’s still time to return them to their families.”

War is not an easy time for anyone, but the Battle for Mali has taken it’s toll on more than just the people inside the country, but also on those who are battling for their freedom.