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Mali: Five suicide bombers dead in failed attacks in the north
For this to happen, security forces will have to fend off further attacks by militants, who have struck in Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu – northern Mali’s three main towns – and resolve a standoff in Kidal, which is still occupied by a mix of Tuareg-led separatist and Islamist rebels.
The administration in Mali, has said an offensive on the town is imminent but rights groups warn such an operation could lead to reprisal killings. Diplomats say they are seeking a solution that will allow elections to take place in Kidal and then talks organized between the Islamists and a new elected government.
It is expected that a joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping force is to be established from July 1.
Underscoring Mali’s needs, the administration will next week begin sourcing for nearly two billion euros (US$2.6 billion) to help rebuild the country and try to prevent Islamists from taking advantage of the weak state.
