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Timbuktu

Man reading a manuscript on the roof of Djingareyber mosque.

Timbuktu nearly lost its heritage. Now it’s on exhibit in a Brussels museum

Arts

Centuries old books that were smuggled out of Timbuktu during the siege of the city by Islamist rebels are now on display at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. The Timbuktu Renaissance exhibition is a glimpse at what’s been called one of the biggest cultural rescue operations ever carried out during a political-ideological war.

Mali’s last master calligrapher escapes violence in Timbuktu with ancient manuscripts in tow

Mali’s Last Master Calligrapher

Arts, Culture & Media

Mali’s Conflict Takes Ominous Turn

Conflict & Justice

Mali’s Festival in the Desert Wins a Freedom of Musical Expression Award

Arts, Culture & Media

French Troops Gird for More Battle in Northern Mali

Conflict & Justice

Fighting is flaring around the Mali city of Gao, despite reports that rebels had ceded the territory to incoming French troops. CBC reporter Laura Lynch just returned from Gao. She tells host Marco Werman that local residents want to French to stay put.

Mali: Islamists Gone for Now in Gao, Security Concerns Remain

Our recent road trip to the city of Gao, center of much of the jihadist troops, revealed suggestions that the area still isn’t secure from the threat of more attacks.

French Convoy Delivers Supplies to Northern Mali

Conflict & Justice

A French-led convoy carrying food and military supplies arrived in the northern Malian town of Gao. Reporter Laura Lynch was with them. She’s covering the story for The World and the CBC.

Timbuktu Locals Said to Have Rescued Ancient Texts

Arts, Culture & Media

Initial reports from Timbuktu suggested that tens of thousands of priceless documents had been destroyed when Islamist rebels burned down the city’s Ahmed Baba Institute as they fled. It now appears that locals saved at least some of the documents.

Mali Conflict Shifts to Timbuktu

Global Politics

French and Malian forces reportedly entered the historic city of Timbuktu, and Islamist militants who had been in control of the city may have fled.