Massacre of Sahara Tuaregs in lawless Tamangasat prompts UF Response

Press Release
Foreign Affairs Ministry, United Faiths

April 8, 2010

United Faiths is deeply shocked and saddened by the massacre of 15 desert Tuareg nomadic men in the bordering province of Tamangasat. The event occurred on the evening of April 5th, and was reported by a group of 7 women and 5 children who were riding camels at the time of the attack and were able to escape unharmed as the perpetrators fought with the men. The Tuareg women claimed about 25 bandits attacked the convoy. As they were almost out of sight they noted seeing all of their men were on the ground and the attackers were rejoicing by waiving the steel blades of their takubas in the air. They also indicated that they have heard of two other attacks against Tuareg convoys in the past couple of weeks. This convoy, like the other two attacked were unique, because they were all family convoys with women and children versus the typical all-male convoys carrying goods of commercial value. For these reasons, the Tuareg suspect the bandits were after the women and children rather than any cargo.

President Selarom, who is ethnically half-Tuareg himself, express his outrage at the reports. "United Faiths will not stand by and let the brothers and sisters of Tamangasat receive such treatment. Our borders are open to all Tuareg. We respect your peaceful and nomadic traditions and promise to give you refuge until the bandits are apprehended."

With no visible presence by any government authority, it seems unlikely the dispersed Tuareg will be able to mount any challenge. Selarom will have to make the difficult decision in the next few days of whether to deploy the country's police force (UF has no army) in order to address the situation.

The province of Tamangasat is a lawless area, ungoverned by any country is a vital artery in the trans-Sahara desert route.

Photos:

Tuareg woman and children exhausted after traveling three days.

President Selarom expresses disappointment in live televised address and opens border to all Tuaregs seeking refuge.