1,500 rebels disarmed in Mali

By Alaattin Dogru

DAKAR

Some 1,500 rebels dropped their arms in Mali on Monday in a disarmament campaign led by the UN and government.

Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed, head of the country's national commission responsible for the disarmament, liquidation reintegration (DDR) campaign, told local media that the campaign started on Nov. 6.

Mohamed el Maouloud , of Azavad Movements (CMA), which was formed by Tuareg-dominated groups, confirmed the number given by the government.

stated that there is hope of peace despite difficulties.

The disarmament campaign targets 34,000 armed group members operating in the north of the West African nation.

The deadline for dropping the arms is Nov. 30.