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Timbuktu treasures burned by al-Qaida faction
Monday, 29 Jan, 2013
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Islamist insurgents fleeing French militia in Timbuktu, Mali, have reportedly set fire to a library housing thousands of priceless ancient leather-bound books on the history of the region.
Hallé Ousmani Cissé, the Mayor of the embattled town long seen as the outmost limit for world travelers, told the UK-based newspaper the Guardian that the al-Qaida faction fighters torched the library on Saturday, burned down a town hall, the governor’s office and an MP’s residence as well as shooting an non-combatant resident in the street.
Cissé was quoted as saying: "This is terrible news. The manuscripts were a part not only of Mali’s heritage but the world’s heritage. By destroying them they threaten the world. We have to kill all of the rebels in the north."
Yesterday, French-led forces took control of Timbuktu while residents celebrated in the streets. Tourists have steered clear of the once popular adventure destination since early last year when several travelers were kidnapped by Islamist insurgents and one German tourist was killed.
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