Mali music festival draws thousands

Celebration in Timbuktu despite security fears as rebel attacks in the area increase.

Mali music festival package screengrab

Often described as one of the world’s most authentic music festivals, the Desert Festival of Mali has been held in the city of Timbuktu since 2001.

Now in its 11th year, the festival faces security challenges, as the region has seen an increasing amount of hostage takings and other dangerous action.

Al Jazeera’s Bhanu Bhatnagar reports.

Source: Al Jazeera