AFRICA/MALI - At least two armed groups deployed against the independence of northern Mali

Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - The situation in northern Mali gets more and more complicated, which has been controlled for a few months by at least two rebel movements, the MNLA (National Liberation Movement of Azawad which proclaimed the independence of the north) and the Islamist group Ansar al Dine (which wants to extend the Sharia law throughout the Country). These two groups are formed mostly by Tuareg, but other populations of the area are organizing to defend their territory.
Among the existing groups there is that of Ganda Izo, that has published a statement by announcing its intention to "preserve territorial integrity". "Ganda Izo has existed for some time and has reformed to expel the MNLA and Ansar al Dine from its country," explains to Fides Agency Fr. Edmond Dembele, Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Mali. "Ganda Izo is formed mainly by Songhai even if it is not a group closed to other ethnic groups. It has also formed a group of Arabs for the liberation of the region of Tomboctou ". "These groups – continues Fr. Dembele - have the goal of expelling the MNLA and Ansar al Dine from their territory. The Tuareg rebels, by invading the areas of Tomboctou and Gao have provoked the response of local populations. The region of Gao in fact is populated mostly by Peuls and Songhai while that of Tomboctou especially by Arabs. The Tuareg are predominantly in Kidal. The majority of the populations of Tomboctou and Gao have therefore decided to fight to free their territory from what they consider an illegal occupation," concluded Fr.Dembele. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2012)