One month into the French-led offensive in Mali, the newly liberated town of Douentza is inching its way back to normality. The markets once again bustle with life and music, and even cigarettes are once again on offer at the town's vibrant stalls. Music is of great social and political import in the desert state of Mali; yet it was contraband under the rigid sharia law implemented by the Islamist militants who controlled this town for ten long months, crushing a key aspect of Malian life and culture.
Despite the improvements, tensions remain. Rigid military checkpoints remain in place, food is scarce, and people remain deeply suspicious of those they suspect of having worked with the Islamist rebels.

FRANCE 24 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 24/7
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