MNLA urges protest for independence as IBK set to be sworn in

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BAMAKO, Sept. 4 -- The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) on Tuesday called on its supporters to protest on Wednesday, the day of swearing-in Mali's president- elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, to demand the independence of Azawad region, a Malian military source has said.

MNLA is a Touareg political and military organization operating in northern Mali, and whose objective is to fight for the independence of Azawad region.

The source said some members of MNLA, including Mariam Wallet Bibi, the sister to one of the founders of MNLA, were going from door to door, urging residents of Kidal in northern Mali to come out in large numbers for the protest on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, MNLA and the Supreme Council for Azawad Unity (HCUA, another Touareg movement), declared that it was inopportune for a committee set up by the government to be present in their region, yet it was not comprised of any of "the children of Azawad."

In January 2012, MNLA took up arms to force out the Malian army from northern Mali, managing to take control of Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, the three main Azawad regions.

In June 2013, the movement signed a peace agreement with the Malian government following negotiations that were held in Ouagadougou, the Burkina Faso capital.

The swearing-in ceremony of Mali's President-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita commonly known as IBK, is set to take place on Wednesday in Bamako as the Interim President Dioncounda Traore will hand over power.

On Tuesday night, Traore urged his fellow citizens to support Keita to accomplish his duties.

"The president-elect is the bearer of the hopes of the Malian people and he is coming to power at a very difficult and complex time, which will require promotion of national reconciliation," Traore said.

He appealed to Malians to take cognizance of the fragility of the achievements so far, and recommended a strong mobilization for peace and national reconciliation.

• Mali's Constitutional Court confirms IBK's victory
• China congratulates Mali's Keita on presidential win
• Results of Mali election awaited on Wednesday to officialize Keita's victory
• Keita wins Mali presidential election after rival concedes defeat

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