Tuaregs 'helps' Malian rebels

2008-03-25 10:09

Bamako - The Malian ministry of foreign affairs said on Monday that neighbouring Tuareg groups had helped Malian rebels who recently attacked government forces in the far north of the country.

Foreign Minister Moctar Ouane said on March 19 and 20, forces allied to Malian rebel chief Ibrahim Ag Bahaga "attacked military convoys and planted landmines, with the help of neighbouring Tuareg forces".

He did not name any countries or where the groups came from.

In the government's first reaction since violence flared up again last week, Ouane also said several people were left dead or injured and vehicles were also destroyed, without giving details on the death toll.

In neighbouring Niger, Tuareg rebels had also been opposed to the Niamey government since February 2007.

In Mali's extreme north, at least eight people had been killed by a mine explosion and 33 soldiers had been kidnapped by rebels since Thursday.

There had been no details on Saturday's fighting between the Tinzaouatene and Kidal regions.

Ouane condemned the violence of Bahaga's forces against civilians and government forces, saying it was a unilateral breach of a peace agreement that was reached by rebels and the government.

He said government efforts for peace and dialogue would continue in order to halt the escalation of violence, which could lead to war.

- AFP