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Malian Rebel Groups Merge, Declare Independence

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By William Tucker

Two rebel groups that participated in the effort to seize northern Mali in the midst of a military coup in the capital of Bamako have signed a formal agreement that merges the two groups into one governing entity. The Tuareg group, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), and the Ansar Dine, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb, signed the accord in Timbuktu on May 26. Following the signing of the agreement an MNLA leader stated that Azawad is now an independent, sovereign state. Both groups have had substantial disagreements in the past making this merger somewhat curious. The MNLA has been largely secular, while Ansar Dine is more in line with the international jihadist movement. How this agreement will work remains to be seen; however spokesmen for both groups have stated that some form of Islamic law will be implemented. One thing to consider in this merger is the possibility that the MNLA, which has been fighting for a Tuareg state since the 1960’s, is expecting some form of intervention to take place and may have found the merger to be politically expedient. If the MNLA holds true to its past ideology it may seek to suppress the ideology and political influence of Ansar Dine over time. There is a lot of moving parts in Mali and the wider region right now and this merger is just one aspect that deserves scrutiny.

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The Battle for Mali Continues

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By William Tucker

Units of the Malian military that supported the coup launched a new assault on loyalist forces today, seizing control of an anti-junta military base in the capital. Many of the loyalist forces have fled Bamako after a new decree was issued calling for the arrest of the remaining forces still loyal to the ousted President. The fighting between pro-junta and loyalist forces has remained confined primarily to Bamako.

Militant Groups Gain Ground in Northern Mali

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By William Tucker

Two weeks ago I stated the military led coup against the Malian government did not bode well for counterterrorism operations in North Africa. That now seems to be an understatement. The head of the Malian junta, Captain Amadou Sanogo, ordered the military to back off fighting in the northern city of Gao for fear of endangering the civilians in the city.

Coup Underway in Mali

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By William Tucker

In an event that could seriously damage counterterrorism efforts in North Africa, Malian soldiers have mutinied and are now firing on the presidential palace. The recent unrest was sparked by a visit to a northern military base by the Minister of Defense. Malian soldiers have been fighting a Tuareg offensive in the north only to be constantly defeated. Government soldiers are complaining of inadequate training and weapons.