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Witness
Desert Blues
A behind the scenes look at the Tuareg-organised "Festival of the desert" in Mali.
Last Modified: 11 Jun 2009 08:55 GMT

Watch part two

In 1996 Tuareg community leaders in Mali organised a festival to mark the end of the "Tamashek" war, or War of Independence between the nomadic Tuareg tribes and the government of Mali.

Modelled on traditional gatherings, featuring music, camel racing and a general catching up with gossip, the festival was initiated in a spirit of reconciliation and friendship.

Over the years, this gathering has continued and expanded to become a truly international annual event, the so-called "Festival of the Desert".

Director George Azar was granted a behind-the-scenes look that shows that Africa is not all about war, poverty and starvation.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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