Despair, jihadism and revolt: Mali's torn heart Since 2012, Mali has slowly slid into chaos as Islamic terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda have gained ground. Over the years, the violence has swept from the country’s north. With many young people, mostly Fulani herders, now also struggling with unemployment, they are turning to the jihadist groups and joining their ranks in a bid to escape poverty. A NATURAL SOUND VERSION OF AN AFPTV REPORT