External SSR actors’ sensemaking and field practices in Mali

This section provides an overview of the country context and an overview of previous research on external actors’ aid engagements in Mali. It further identifies significant developments pertaining to the Malian security sector during the time under research, as a reference for the case studies. In order to provide a ‘sounding board’ for the statements of external respondents on what they perceive as priorities in the Malian SSR and peace process, this section also encompasses information on the perceptions of Malian respondents of SSR, the peace process and the international involvement in these processes.