Sequelas da reviravolta na Líbia

Nearly 130,000 people have been displaced by fighting between Tuareg rebels and government forces since mid-January in Mali, the UN has warned.

The clashes had displaced an estimated 60,000 people inside Mali, and a further 69,000 had fled to neighbouring countries, a spokesman told the BBC.

Adrian Edwards warned that basic supplies were urgently needed, as those displaced "don't have anything".

Dozens are feared to have died, but independent information is scarce.

The Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA), which wants independence for the northern region of Mali, took up arms last month and has launched attacks on northern towns and army bases.

It came after many Tuareg fighters returned from Libya, where they had fought alongside Col Muammar Gaddafi's forces.

Rights groups have urged the government, meanwhile, not to bomb civilians.

The resurgence in fighting follows two years of relative peace between the government and the Tuareg.

'Critical' needs

"Over a space of a few weeks we have seen literally tens of thousands of people being displaced to at least four countries surrounding Mali, plus smaller numbers in Togo, Guinea as well," Mr Edwards said.
He said there were an estimated 60,000 inside Mali, as well as some 29,000 in Niger, 22,000 in Mauritania and 18,000 in Burkina Faso.

The estimated 130,000 people displaced by the fighting is about 0.8% of the entire Malian population, which was estimated at 15.8m in 2011 - and a far greater proportion of the harsh, arid north part of the country.

Mr Edwards warned that there were "quite critical" needs for basic supplies - including shelter, food, water and medicines.

As well as that, many displaced were in a region chronically affected by food insecurity already, he said.
BBC