Families in Mali splintered by slavery as culture and conflict converge

[muriel_volestrangler]

Tuareg rebels are capitalising on fighting in Mali to reacquire former captives whom they regard as their property from birth

...
Thousands were displaced by the fighting, and the subsequent battle for control of northern Mali between Islamist rebels and the MNLA. But the situation facing Raichatou has been particularly perilous, for she comes from a family considered by many in the MNLA leadership as slaves.

"I can't sleep at night," she says, wiping away tears. "I wake up feeling bad and thinking about my family who are still there."

In 2008, Raichatou escaped slavery in the northern desert town of Menaka, heading for the relative safety of Gao. But when the MNLA took control, she fled, fearing her old Tuareg slave masters might try to recapture her.

Anti-slavery groups say the conflict and ensuing political chaos in Mali has worsened the situation facing the 250,000 people who live in conditions of slavery in the west African state. The MNLA leadership and parts of the Ansar Dine Islamist group, which fought for control of the north last year, come from Tuareg noble families, some of whom are responsible for continuing the practice of slavery in Mali.
...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/apr/03/families-mali-slavery-culture-conflict

Due to its illegality, data on modern-day slavery is difficult to collate. The UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that about 21 million people are in forced labour at any point in time. The ILO says this estimate includes trafficking and other forms of modern slavery. The only exceptions are trafficking for organ removal, forced marriage and adoption, unless the last two practices result in forced labour.

The ILO calculates that 90% of the 21 million are exploited by individuals or companies, while 10% are forced to work by the state, rebel military groups, or in prisons under conditions that violate ILO standards. Sexual exploitation accounts for 22% of slaves.

On trafficking – that is, people trapped in forced labour as a result of internal or cross-border migration – the ILO calculates that 29% end up in forced labour after crossing international borders, the majority through trafficking for sexual exploitation. About 56% of the 21 million are exploited where they live.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/apr/03/modern-day-slavery-explainer

[geek tragedy]

1. Yeesh. The land that civilization forgot.

The battle is between the slave traders and the Taliban-types.

Good luck, France.

[riderinthestorm]

2. Unfortunately for many Islamists, the only "law" they care about is Allah's.

And the Quran says slavery is allowed.

[freshwest]

3. Misery.