Some Tuaregs in Mali mark 1 year of rebel movement

Published April 07, 2013

Associated Press

BAMAKO, Mali –  Some separatist ethnic Tuareg rebels in northern Mali are marking the one-year anniversary of their political movement.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad was formed last April in northern Mali in the aftermath of the country's coup. While some members of the group still seek to secede from Mali, the group officially has backed away from its quest for independence.

The NMLA rebels are separate from the fighters who wanted to impose strict Islamic law and who have been targeted by a French-led military operation.

Over the weekend, Tuaregs in the towns of Kidal and Tessalit marked the occasion with marches and camel races.

Kidal resident Attaye Ag Mohamed says the date of April 6 is "historic for the people of Azawad," or northern Mali.

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