alkhabar
Maghreb
Mahmoud Ag Aghaly. Photo Jeune Afrique.
He talks about the motivations of the MNLA and urges the international community to put pressure on Mali to grant independence to the Azawad in an interview with Jeune Afrique.
Mahmoud Ag Aghaly says that the MNLA is willing to talk to all countries who want to help resolve the conflict, whether in the sub-region or beyond. The important thing is that they know the area and its problems and can help to negotiate a final solution. He says that a cease fire will depend on discussions and those coming to talk about the modalities of independence for Azawad are welcome.
Asked why he seems unenthusiastic about negotiantions, he explains that since 1957 the Tuareg had explained to the French colonial administration that they refused to be integrated into the Republic of Mali and that for 30 years they had talked with the government and signed agreements which had no effect. He points to the difference between the populations of Northern and Southern Mali and says that they were never meant to be one country and calls on the international community to help convince the Malian government to grant the Azawad independence. He points to the lack of clinics and schools for Tuareg children and tarmacked roads in the north of Mali.If Mali does not have the means to care for the population he believes they should grant the MNLA request for independence. He feels it is not a matter of resources but of governanceand political will.
He belives they can develop tourism by promoting Tuareg culture better and says that uptil now it is the government of Mali which has benefited from the richness of Tuareg culture.He denies that mineral wealth is the reson for the rebellion and says it is a matter of cultural identity and dignity. The African Union, the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) and France are all involved in negotiations and he asks that they be impartial and not take the side of the Malian to the exclusion of the MNLA from discussions. Mahmoud Ag Aghaly denies that the MNLA is responsible for populations fleeing Mali and blames the Malian army for this and he denies responsibility for civilian casualties. He also denies that the MNLA is involved with Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and says that the way to end AQMI 's activities ,including kidnaping and drug smuggling is to grant Azawad its independence.
Mahmoud Ag Aghaly says that the MNLA is willing to talk to all countries who want to help resolve the conflict, whether in the sub-region or beyond. The important thing is that they know the area and its problems and can help to negotiate a final solution. He says that a cease fire will depend on discussions and those coming to talk about the modalities of independence for Azawad are welcome.
Asked why he seems unenthusiastic about negotiantions, he explains that since 1957 the Tuareg had explained to the French colonial administration that they refused to be integrated into the Republic of Mali and that for 30 years they had talked with the government and signed agreements which had no effect. He points to the difference between the populations of Northern and Southern Mali and says that they were never meant to be one country and calls on the international community to help convince the Malian government to grant the Azawad independence. He points to the lack of clinics and schools for Tuareg children and tarmacked roads in the north of Mali.If Mali does not have the means to care for the population he believes they should grant the MNLA request for independence. He feels it is not a matter of resources but of governanceand political will.
He belives they can develop tourism by promoting Tuareg culture better and says that uptil now it is the government of Mali which has benefited from the richness of Tuareg culture.He denies that mineral wealth is the reson for the rebellion and says it is a matter of cultural identity and dignity. The African Union, the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) and France are all involved in negotiations and he asks that they be impartial and not take the side of the Malian to the exclusion of the MNLA from discussions. Mahmoud Ag Aghaly denies that the MNLA is responsible for populations fleeing Mali and blames the Malian army for this and he denies responsibility for civilian casualties. He also denies that the MNLA is involved with Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and says that the way to end AQMI 's activities ,including kidnaping and drug smuggling is to grant Azawad its independence.
