Ansar Dine Pursues Peace Talks, Mujao Names New Chief

A Benin national known as "Abdoulah" was named head of al-Qaeda splinter group Movement for Tawhid and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO). The former Boko Haram envoy to al-Qaeda camps in northern Mali is said to be of Yoruba ethnicity and in his thirties, security sources said according to AFP.
 
He replaces Hicham Bilal, who surrendered to authorities in his native Niger after quitting MUJAO over its criminal activities, including drug trafficking.


Mujao is said to have split with AQIM in early 2011 with the aim of spreading Jihad in West Africa.Commentators suggest that it may also have been because of AQIM's predominately Algerian membership. Ethnicity seemsto be becoming a key issue amongst Islamists Jihadi's in Northern Mali as  the lack of local Malian support issaid to count against them. Boko Haram in Nigeria is trying to take over the north of Nigeria by force using explosives and armed attacks against communities,thesecurity forces and local churches.

Boko Haram members are said to be present in northern Mali as well. Mujao has taken the lead in military actions recently in the capture of Douentza and Hilal. Mujaohas alsotaken a leading part in kidnapping including European aid workers in Tindouf and  the Algerian consular staff in Gao one of which they claimed to have executed.