AFRICA/MALI - Clashes between rebels in northern Mali

Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - "The separation between the two groups has now fully been realized" says Fr. Edmond Dembele, Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Mali to Fides, confirming reports of clashes in the north between the MNLA (National Liberation of Azawad Movement, formed by independent "lay") and the Islamist of Ansar Dine (which extend to extend the Sharia to the entire Country). The two groups, which control since the end of March the north of Mali, had sought an agreement which then fell through. According to agency sources, the fighters of MNLA and that of Ansar Dine clashed near Kidal. "There is still no balance of the fighting because the information is in contrast," says Fr. Dembele. The MNLA is formed mainly by Tuareg, as well as the movement Ansar Dine (its founder, Iyad Ag Ghaly, is in fact of Tuareg origin), but there is concern that, apart from political and religious motivations, between the armed groups in the North Ethnic divisions are also rising. "Remember that in Mauritania the Arabs in the north of Mali have just founded a new group with the purpose of driving the rebels from Tomboctou and reattaching them to the rest of the Country," says Fr. Dembele.
Meanwhile, discussions continue on sending an African military force in Mali to help local armed forces. "The military Malians seem opposed to sending an African force in Mali to fight the rebels in the north," says Fr. Dembele.
"They ask to provide logistical and material help because they think that the morale of the Malian army has improved and there is a sufficient number of soldiers to confront and drive the rebels out." "The local public opinion is so divided, because next to those who think like our military, there are others who believe that the international community should intervene directly to help the Malian army to free the north " concluded Fr. Dembele. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 08/06/2012)