I sense these guys are going to wear out their welcome rather quickly.
(SMH) — Islamist rebels say they will continue to destroy historic sites in Timbuktu before they implement strict Sharia law, as Mali’s government compared the destruction to “war crimes”.
Ansar Dine spokesman Sanda Abu Mohamed said that Islamists will continue the destruction they started on Saturday.
“We’re going to destroy everything before we apply Sharia in this city,” he said.
Resident Moussa Maiga said the Islamists have expressed disapproval of what they think is worship of the tombs of the Muslim saints.
“They say that the population loves the saints like God,” he said.
But resident Bouya Ould Sidi Mohamed said the historic city has long had Muslim roots.
“Timbuktu was an Islamic city since the 12th century, and we know what the religion says about the saints’ tombs,” he said.
“Contrary to what the Islamists or the Wahabis of Ansar Dine say, here in Timbuktu, the people don’t love the saints like God, but just seek the saints’ blessings because they are our spiritual guides.”
HT: Brian B.