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All eyes on Kidal
[FRANCE24] In Timbuktu, order was somewhat restored by Tuesday afternoon when Malian troops finally moved in.

Electricity had not returned and residents said there was no water supply since water-pumps were not working. The telephone network has also not been in service over the past few days and there were still food shortages.

With Timbuktu controlled by French and Malian forces, the north-eastern city of Kidal is the last major northern Malian city still under rebel control.

Rebels from a Tuareg separatist group have told FRANCE 24 that they are in control of the city and are ready to negotiate with French troops. However, the MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad) said it would not allow Malian soldiers into Kidal, underscoring the political challenges that continue to confront Mali.
Posted by: Fred 2013-01-30
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=361201