Split emerges in Mali rebel group

One wing of Mali’s Ansar Dine rebel group has split off to create its own movement, saying that they want to negotiate a solution to the crisis in Mali.

The declaration indicates that at least some of the members of the al Qaida-linked group are searching for a way out of the extremist movement in the wake of French airstrikes.

Former Ansar Dine leader Alghabass Ag Intalla said in a statement published today that the new group will be called the Islamic Movement for the Azawad.

Intalla said the group is looking for a “negotiated solution”, adding that his men are willing to fight Ansar Dine.

An elected official from the desert town of Kidal said: “They are running for the exits.”