The Coup in Mali with Ambassador Michelle Gavin

Today we will discuss the recent events in Mali and what a democratic future looks like for the Malian people. We will talk about the coup this summer, how it compares to the 2012 coup, and the recent transitional deal announced by the military government. Furthermore, we will explore the role of international actors and how they have contributed to the recent turmoil as well as what they can do to help create a more democratic Malian society. To discuss these topics, joining us today on the podcast will be Ambassador Michelle Gavin.

Michelle D. Gavin is senior fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She has over twenty years of experience in international affairs in government and non-profit roles. She was formerly the managing director of The Africa Center, a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to increasing understanding of contemporary Africa. From 2011 to 2014 she was the United States ambassador to Botswana, and served concurrently as the United States representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC).