TZMPAKAAU

TUAREG REBEL DECLARES INDEPENDENCE OF NORTHERN MALI(WAASI WA MALI WAMETANGAZA UHURU WA MALI KASKAZINI)

Marked with Dark Brown is the area of Azawad that controlled by Tuareg rebels.

A rebel group in northern Mali has declared independence for a region it calls Azawad, after seizing control of the area late last month.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) made the statement on its website, adding that it would respect other states' borders.

The group is one of two rebel groups to have gained ground in the area after Mali's government was ousted.

A rebel group in northern Mali has declared independence for a region it calls Azawad, after seizing control of the area late last month.

Tuareg Rebels.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) made the statement on its website, adding that it would respect other states' borders.

The group is one of two rebel groups to have gained ground in the area after Mali's government was ousted.

People are continuing to flee the area and buses to the capital have been packed with people desperate to get out. Reports say the situation in the northern town of Gao, in rebel hands, is particularly tense.

The Algerian government also says seven of its staff were kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Gao. The consul and six colleagues were forced to leave their diplomatic mission at gunpoint.

Sources: TZMPAKAAU,BBC,France24 and dw.de