Mali
09/05/2012 / MALI
“The ‘bearded men’ are the new masters”: Observers in Timbuktu describe life under radical Islamic rule
On April 1, the city of Timbuktu, in northern Mali, fell into the hands of separatist Tuareg rebels and armed Islamic groups. Five weeks later, radical Islamists seemingly rule the city alone. Our Observers say that in this short time, the new rulers have imposed their radical brand of Islam, which has profoundly changed life in Timbuktu. Read more...
19/04/2012 / United States
Demonstrators yelling "peace in Mali!"
Malien March in Washington, DC
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Demonstrators yelling "peace in Mali!"
The Malian community in the metropolitan region of Washington, DC, joined with others all the way from New York and Philadelphia, demonstrated on Sunday April 15, 2012. The demonstrations began at the Embassy of Mali, passing by the White House and ending at the Peace Circle. More then 600 Malians where in attendance. They shouted in unity "Peace for Mali!" down the streets of Washington and in front of the White House.
Contributors
16/04/2012 / MALI
Malians denounce their country’s division in video messages
Over the past week, over 300 videos have been posted on a Facebook group denouncing the Tuareg militants who have seized control of Mali’s northern Azawad region. Malians in France created the group “United against Mali’s territorial partition” with the goal of giving a voice to citizens “ignored by the media.” Read more…
Contributors
09/04/2012 / MALI
Photo shows use of child soldiers by rebels in northern Mali
In the past few days, there have been several reports of child soldiers among the ranks of the rebel militias who have taken control of northern Mali. Our Observers confirm this, and one has even sent us a photo showing young boys wearing uniforms and carrying firearms in the streets of Gossi. Read more...
Contributors
05/04/2012 / MALI
Gao’s residents and refugees describe Islamist takeover
Mali’s northeastern city of Gao has spiralled into chaos since rebels took control of the city five days ago. Many residents feel trapped between groups of looters, fundamentalist preachers and separatist fighters. Two of our Observers from the city gave us their account. One fled the city while the other stayed behind. Read more…
04/04/2012 / MALI
Observers describe how Islamist rebels have taken control of Timbuktu
The Islamist rebels who seized control of the Malian city of Timbuktu have announced their intention to enforce sharia law and restore order after a recent wave of looting. For now, our Observers on the ground report that the new leaders are engaging in peaceful dialogue with locals. However, some worry that they may eventually harden their stance. Read more…
02/04/2012 / MALI
Timbuktu’s fall, as told by our Observers in Mali
After the cities of Kidal and Goa, it was Timbuktu’s turn to fall into the hands of the Tuareg rebellion on Sunday. Three residents describe the city’s fall, and share their hopes and fears about what will happen now. Read more…
20/02/2012 / Niger
Eyewitness report offers rare insight into critical situation of Malian refugees in Niger
The ongoing fighting between the Malian army and Tuareg rebels has forced refugees to flee the country en masse and seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Our Observer went to see a group of refugees in the town of Mangaize, in northern Niger. What he found was a dire humanitarian crisis, far away from the media spotlight. Read more…
Contributors
13/02/2012 / MALI - BURKINA FASO
Malian refugees face dire conditions in Burkina Faso
As fighting rages on between Tuareg rebels and the army in northern Mali, refugees are fleeing by the thousands to neighbouring countries. Our Observer spent four days in two refugee camps in northern Burkina Faso, where no aid has yet arrived. See his photos and read more...
Contributors
03/02/2012 / MALI
Tuareg civilians attacked in Bamako
President Amadou Toumani Touré has urged Malians not to “confuse” Tuareg civilians with the Tuareg rebels that the army is fighting in the country’s north. Some residents of the capital are paying dearly for such “confusion.” Read more…
