Breaking News - France, Mali set aside colonial past, face new foe

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Eric Gaillard / ReutersA car displaying French and Malian flags drives on a road in the centre of Bamako on Jan. 19, 2013. Islamist rebels in Mali abandoned the central town of Diabaly on Friday after fleeing a French air strike, military sources said, while West African troops arrived in Bamako to take on the insurgents in Mali's north.  By Rohit Kachroo, Correspondent, NBC NewsNIONO, Mali -- On the liberated streets of the Malian town of Niono, French flags haven't fluttered like they do today since colonial times. But the old imperial powers are now back -- and they are, for the most part, welcome.

"Vive la France!" shouted Emmanuel, a 64-year-old local doctor, as French supply vehicles move through the town on their way toward the front line. He remembers well how he celebrated when he heard that Mali had won independence from France in 1960. But today, he feels the same jubilation, and has bought a tricolor flag for $1 dollar to celebrate.

France has been accused of neo-colonialism for its intervention in Mali. It now has 2,000 troops on the ground attempting to seize control of the northern desert region from Islamist rebels who are suspected of creating a haven for al-Qaida terrorists to attack the West.

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