Rebel leader moves to Libya

2008-10-13 10:10

Bamako - Mali's main rebel leader has moved to Libya with his family, marking what may be a positive development in the West African nation's peace process, an informed source said on Sunday.

"Ibrahim Ag Bahanga has moved to Libya with his family...Some think he has decided to take a step back," said a source close to the peace process between the Malian government, Tuareg rebels and Algerian mediators.

"This information will strengthen the peace process," said the source.

Meanwhile, other rebel groups in the Alliance for Democracy and Change, ADC, wrapped up talks over the weekend in northern Mali.

"We talked frankly about disarmament, of creating special units" of ex-rebels and soldiers for implementing peace in the north, another rebel leader, said Amada Ag Bibi.

Disarmament and the creation of these special units have been sticking points in talks following a 2006 peace accord signed in Algiers.

Under that deal, rebels accepted to give up autonomous claims for the northeastern Kidal region, while the government committed to speeding up development in the north.

Talks among rebels this week were at times heated, another source said.

"Some trust the Malian government for a definitive return to peace, others are distrustful of it," said the source.

A date for future peace talks in Algiers has not been announced.

- AFP