The international community has for years engaged in numerous initiatives ostensibly to return Somalia into a functioning state again. But according to a leaked high-level report, it is these same outsiders who have benefited most from the crisis.

The current political instability in Bamako and the insecurity in northern Mali continue to trigger important influxes of refugees into the neighboring countries of Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger, says UNHCR. Altogether, the crisis has now displaced over 400,000 Malians.

Soldiers loyal to Mali’s coup leader have forcibly disappeared at least 20 soldiers allegedly linked to an 30 April 2012 counter-coup, and committed torture and other abuses against dozens of others, Human Rights Watch said. The security forces of Capt. Amadou Sanogo, who led the 22 March coup against President Amadou Toumani Touré, have also engaged in a campaign of intimidation against journalists, family members of detained soldiers, and others deemed a threat.

This Africa Today recording is of a special program highlighting the countries of Mali and Nubia and the efforts to prevent the destruction of Africa’s history. The guests include: Professor Manu Ampim, Dr. Runoko Rashidi, and Shayaam Shabaka.

Reporters Without Borders has voiced its support for the one-day strike planned by Mali’s media, when radio stations will suspend broadcasting and no newspapers will be printed. In a show of solidarity, the organization issues a call for an end to the constant media freedom violations of the past four months.