MALI: HUMAN RIGHTS:
Rebel groups rape women

4/25/2012 7:49:16 AM
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MALI - An increasing number of Malian women are being raped by Tuareg rebels and armed groups. The rebels have swept across the north of Mali since the beginning of the year, expelling all government troops from the region. - There have been reports of rape and sexual violence taking place in towns and villages across the region according to Corrine Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, who is currently on a mission in Mali. Dufka reports that most of the abuses have been "perpetrated by rebels from the MNLA and to a lesser extent by Arab militias allied to them." The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) is an umbrella term given to groups of armed Tauregs who have come together with the declared goal of administrating an independent state, Azawad. There have been several Tuareg rebellions against the Malian government. Previous uprisings ended in negotiations and the appointment of rebel leaders to state positions. However, the rebels say the Malian government has failed to stick to promises made in negotiations, and continue to demand an independent state. Food, electricity and infrastructure have also been severely affected by the conflict. In many cities food and water are running low, and it has been difficult for civilians to receive humanitarian aid. (END/Radio Bulletin Editor/2012)

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