The West African country of Mali has been in political turmoil since a coup in March . The coup was over the government 's response to a Tuareg rebellion in the north . Now , rebels and Islamist groups are in control of several northern provinces . After passing through the city , they are then subject to another checkpoint on its northern fringe . There is concern that Mali could soon become a haven for terrorists .
The West African country of Mali has been in political turmoil since a coup in March . The coup was over the government 's response to a Tuareg rebellion in the north . Now , rebels and Islamist groups are in control of several northern provinces . There is concern that Mali could soon become a haven for terrorists .