Mali : Islamism and ethnicity?

In late November it was reported that Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) had reecruited a  regiment called Youssef Ben Tachfine  under a Tuareg chief,called Qairaouani Abou Abdel Hamid Al Kidali. This was seen as an
attemp to diversify AQIM's leadership and membership, which is mainly Algerian.

Now Iyad Ag Ghali is overseeing the organisation of the islamists on ethnic lines including Tuaregs , Moors Berabichs and perhaps Songhi and Faluni groups as well. A security official said that Iyad Ag Ghali was pursuing this policy as trying to control Algerians, Moors  and others in one group was too difficult. With different ethnic groups under his control he might have a stronger set of cards to play in the negotiations being held at Ouagadougou. He may also be able to disadvantage AQIM. It is argued that without local support AQIM may have to consider other
alternatives,perhaps even withdrawing to another area. They  may have until next September to decide when the Ecowas intervention force should be ready.Much can happen in nine months.