Mali - CrisisWatch N°102 (sitios de interés)

Fears regional spillover from Libyan conflict could spark new Touareg rebellion as National Movement for Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) Touareg rebels reportedly backed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and fighters who served in Libyan army staged series of attacks mid-late Jan on towns in north/north-east: govt responded by bombarding rebel position in Menaka 17 Jan; army said 45 rebels killed, 2 soldiers dead, 2,300 people fled into Mauritania. AQIM 12 Jan warned France, UK, Holland, Swe-den not to attempt rescue operation for hostages in Mali, said seeking peaceful solution. Former PMs Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Modibo Sidibe, and Mountaga Tall, announced candidacy in 29 April presidential poll.

“Ménaka aux prises avec la rébellion”, Journal du Mali, 17 Jan. 2012.