Friday, April 6, 2012

BBC News - Mali Tuareg rebels declare independence in the north

BBC News - Mali Tuareg rebels declare independence in the north: "A rebel group in northern Mali has declared independence for a region it calls Azawad, after seizing control of the area last week.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) made the statement on its website, adding that it would respect other states' borders.

The MNLA is one of two rebel groups to have gained ground in the area after Mali's government was ousted in a coup.

The African Union has condemned the declaration as "null and void".

Former colonial power France and the European Union have also said they will not recognise Azawad's independence.

Meanwhile, the UK has closed its embassy in the capital, Bamako, and withdrawn its staff.

The army seized power on 22 March, accusing the elected government of not doing enough to halt the two rebel groups - the MNLA and an Islamist group opposed to independence, which wants to impose Islamic law, or Sharia, across the whole country."

'via Blog this'

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