Certainly , very few people would have included the words `` Mali '' and `` Islamism '' in the same sentence before April last year , when Islamist militia took control of over two thirds of the country and started amputating the hands of thieves , stoning adulterers and whipping women who happened to venture out into the streets 'improperly ' dressed . Until recently , Mali was better known for its music , mosques and manuscripts than for conflict . Andy Morgan : Music and culture are Mali 's window - window to the world , its primary asset . Conflict turns musicians , artists and writers into frontline soldiers , says Morgan . Morgan : In Mali they 're still playing , still writing , still singing .
Until recently , Mali was better known for its music , mosques and manuscripts than for conflict . Andy Morgan : Music and culture are Mali 's window - window to the world , its primary asset . Conflict turns musicians , artists and writers into frontline soldiers , says Morgan . Morgan : In Mali they 're still playing , still writing , still singing .