MALI: Business as usual in the capital of Mali Bamako as France keeps up airstikes against islamist rebels in the north

Record ID: 861053

  • Title: MALI: Business as usual in the capital of Mali Bamako as France keeps up airstikes against islamist rebels in the north
  • Date: 15th January 2013
  • Summary: BAMAKO, MALI (JANUARY 15, 2013) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF STREET SCENES
  • Embargoed: 30th January 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mali
  • City:
  • Country: Mali
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA5Z6QS1UNUW1X96OADH35PAT3S
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  • Story Text: It was quiet in Bamako on Tuesday (January 15) ahead of a meeting of West African defence chiefs ) to discuss the deployment of 3,300 regional troops to dislodge Islamist rebels from north Mali.
    France has already poured hundreds of troops into Mali and has kept up its air strikes in the vast desert area seized last year by an Islamist alliance that combines al Qaeda's north African wing AQIM with Mali's home-grown MUJWA and Ansar Dine rebel groups.
    Western and regional powers are concerned the insurgents will use Mali's north as a launchpad for international attacks.
    The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) mission head in Bamako Aboudou Toure Cheaka said the West African troops would be on the ground in a week. Their immediate mission would be to help stop the rebel advance while preparations for a full intervention plan continued.
    The original timetable for the 3300-strong U.N.-sanctioned African force - backed by western logistics, money and intelligence services - did not initially foresee full deployment before September due to logistical constraints.
    Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Guinea have all offered troops. But regional powerhouse Nigeria, which is due to lead the mission, has cautioned that even if some troops arrive in Mali soon, training will take more time.
    The plan is being fast-tracked after a plea for help by Mali's government after mobile columns of Islamist fighters last week threatened the central garrison towns of Mopti and Sevare, with its key airport.
    ENDS
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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