Mali rebel groups join forces, vowing an independent Islamic state

Katarina Höije
CNN

Two key rebel movements in Mali have agreed to join forces, saying together they will rule an independent Islamic state.

The Tuareg group MNLA and the Islamist group Ansar Dine occupying northern Mali reached the deal after a series of talks, according to both groups.

“The Ansar Dine movement and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, MNLA, have proclaimed an independent state, Azawad,” MNLA Col. Abdou Haidara announced.

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