LGBT rights in Mali
Mali has long been attacked by Islamic rebels and militants. This has put gays at risk. In 2013 Islamist extremists took over the northern part of Mali. France sent 3,500 troops to help Mali. The extremists took over the town of Gao and enforced strict Sharia law. This religious law of Islam punishes  gay men by execution. French troops were able to rescue two Malian men who were about to be executed for homosexuality.