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Mali: protests over clashes with Tuareg rebels
BAMAKO, Mali: Protesters are blocking the streets of Mali’s capital and soldiers’ families are demonstrating in a nearby town after recent clashes between the army and a Tuareg rebel group. The protesting families gathered Thursday in the town of Kati for a fourth day. They say soldiers are not equipped to fight the rebels. On Wednesday, protesters there attacked the business and home of a Tuareg family.

In the capital, Bamako, tires burned in the streets, and shops and businesses were shuttered.

President Amadou Toumani Toure warned Malians not to discriminate in a televised address on Wednesday night, his first major speech since fighting began Jan. 17.

Rebels have attacked six towns across Mali’s north. The heaviest fighting was around the town of Aguelhok, where military sources say at least 40 soldiers were killed.
Posted by: Steve White 2012-02-03
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=338356