Chadian military forces have been out front fighting insurgents in Northern Mali and taking casualties but are they getting the appreciation they deserve? Approximately 2000 Chadian troops deployed to Mali to fight insurgents as part of a primarily ECOWAS force but so far only the Chadians and French have been leading the fight. Malian forces have been taking their time getting to the front and continue to complain they lack the necessary equipment to join the fight.
Casualties are starting to mount- on 22 Feb 2013 thirteen Chadian soldiers were killed while fighting insurgents in the Ifoghas Mountains. France has been doing a lot of the fighting as well and has also suffered casualties, but is expected to withdraw in March leaving only AU troops to back up the Malians. The Chadians have committed to stay and continue to fight in Mali, probably at great cost. Chad isn't a rich country, lacks resources, and doesn't have the ability to sustain itself for long times far from its own borders. What will Chad get out of the deal?
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