USA Africa Dialogue Series - Ansar Dine supporters make a dramatic entry into Gao, Mali

Ansar Dine, (Tuareg /Al-Qaida supporters in Mali) seems to be clearly in charge while AZAWAD (The Tuareg Nationalists)
runs for cover, or, at least takes a low profile..Ansar Dine has been recruiting Pakistanis, Afghans and Algerians and other Islamists to consolidate
their military power. Will they confine themselves to Northern Mali - or head for Bamako and adjacent regions. Time will tell.

GE
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Published on: May 9, 2012 - Author: RFI.FR - Source: RFI.FR
In Mali, the Islamic forces of Ansar Dine took position in Gao, located on the Niger River, east of the country, Wednesday, May 9, 2012. They arrived in force, headed by their leader Iyad Ag Ghali. Came to meet the religious and civil society, the Islamist group has apparently decided to take a position in the city. Iyad Ag Ghali made ​​a grand entrance in Gao: an important series of twenty 4X4 military arrived in the city, late morning. The leader of the Islamist forces of Ansar Dine comes in a white traditional dress. "It's a working visit, consultation with the various components of the community," explained one of the spokesman Islamist group, adding: "Gao is a big city, we have also come secure people and property. We, when we enter a place, it stays there. " In continuation of Gao meetings in late April and Kidal last week, Iyad Ag Ghali should meet with religious leaders, imams, the marabouts of the city and political figures. But this time, his group seemed to be trying to settle more permanently in the city. All day, fighters have stepped up patrols, as confirmed by the inhabitants. "They are very well armed, there are at least four or five men on each truck. Ansar Dine shows the strongest ways, "we explained one trader. Iyad Ag Ghali must also meet members of the MNLA, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, present in the city. After the failure of recent negotiations, the Islamist group is placed in a strong position: "It is for them to join us, the opposite is not possible," said a spokesman.


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