Qatari interest in Mali’s oil and minerals

Oil exploration in northern Mali was already on hold before the 2012 coup because of the security situation. While activity remains largely suspended, the government has attracted interest in the minerals and hydrocarbons potential from Qatar. “There are still pockets of resistance of certain armed groups in northern Mali. Security isn’t yet restored, we must admit,” said minister for investment promotion and private enterprise Moustapha Ben Barka. But the government is looking to the future, and the minister said he hoped Mali could begin producing oil within five years.