According to a report by BBC, the islamists of Mali have significantly taken control over it (almost 2/3rds of it). They are involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings and various other crimes. It was also found that they are into buying "child soldiers" by paying the families around $600 per child. They have also been found to carry out executions for the crimes people commit. The punishments include amputations and floggings. UN is planning to send in a intervention team to address the plight of the Mali people.