Mali, the country’s army and its Russian mercenary allies lost control of a key northern military stronghold to armed rebels on Friday, marking a significant setback as Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups appear to be operating in a coordinated effort to challenge the ruling junta. Insurgents linked to Al Qaeda have also called on Malians to rise up against the military-led government and support a transition to Sharia law. Professor of Practice in Diplomacy at the University of London, Nicolas Westcott, shares further insights.