Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GAO, Mali (AP) - Officials say more than a dozen ethnic Peul are feared dead in northern Mali following clashes with members of the Tuareg ethnic group near the border with neighboring Niger.
A Malian security official based in the northern city of Gao said 16 were killed in the clashes Saturday. The official insisted on anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
Florent Geel, Africa director for the International Federation for Human Rights, also said 16 were killed but added that the organization was waiting on details. He spoke by phone from Bamako, citing information provided by a member in Gao.
Reports of the deaths came as Malians voted in legislative elections meant to complete the transition to constitutional rule following a March 2012 coup.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
