Philip Hammond’s massive Mali cock-up

Speaking in the House today Defence Secretary Philip Hammond was asked a question by Sir Peter Tapsell on Britain’s intervention in Mali, with particular regard to Mali being a Muslim country. In response, Hammond said:

“…Mali is a country with a majority Christian population, with a significant Muslim minority”.

Except he’s totally and utterly wrong – Muslims comprise 90% of the population of Mali (Sunni Islam to be specific). Only 5% of Malians are Christian.

Hammond also stated on more than one occasion the importance of ‘situational awareness’ of our troops (i.e. knowing what’s going on on-the-ground). Sadly, it seems that Hammond and the MOD are lacking “situational awareness” themselves…

It’s great to see that the government are suitably informed about countries that they’re sending hundreds of British military personnel into.

And what a remarkable week Mr Hammond is having…