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294 CHAPTER 6May 1994, the rebellion was not presented as a separatist movement in theMalian press. On the contrary, the Tanekra had been presented as concernedwith the improvement of the living conditions in the neglected North on thewhole, and bringing about the fall of Moussa Traoré’s dictatorial regime. Thus,instead of nationless traitors and dictators, the rebels had been worthy sons ofthe fatherland in helping to bring democracy about. Iyad ag Ghali was prone tounderline this interpretation of ‘his’ rebellion in 1990.It is certain that the start of the movements’ fight has played an important role inbringing democracy by weakening the dictatorial regime. In its days, the MPA hadformulated the problems of the North in terms of social, political, economic andcultural demands. 75The reconciliatory stance made by the Malian press, confirmed by Iyad agGhali, backfired in 1994 when the promises of the National Pact were notdelivered. Many Southern intellectuals and politicians blamed the movementsfor demanding a special political and economic status for the North. TheMFUA’s unyielding stance towards the application of the National Pact, despiteSouthern resistance and the impossibility of meeting all demands, were seen asunpatriotic in comparison to their patriotic attitude in bringing about the fall ofTraoré. The Kel Tamasheq had suffered under Traoré, but so had all Malians,and the honour of getting the credit of Traoré’s fall should suffice as extracompensation. The idea that the rebellion had been about separation after allresurfaced. Ethnic and racial motives regained ground, not only among theGanda Koy but also among the Southern political elite.If we put aside the suspicion of “disqualifying” secessionist intentions of certainrebel movements, we should recognise the merit of the armed revolt of the Azawadin starting the struggle leading to the fall of the decadent regime in Bamako. (...) Bygiving themselves an essential and distinct ethnic appearance, while sharing practicallythe same living conditions with other Malians who have never been consulted,nor associated, nor incorporated, the suspicion of a difference in pigment as a vehiclefor secession re-emerges. 76Othering and conflict emphasise not only the essential features of the enemy,but also of the originating group. The Ganda Koy could claim essential traitsopposite to those of the Kel Tamasheq rebels. They were ‘black’ and sedentary,and they lived along the banks of the Niger River. The emblem of the GandaKoy consisted of a canoe crossed with a hoe and a harpoon, representing theNiger River; sedentary life; and defence. The bellah community of the NigerBend shared these traits. Despite being part of Tamasheq society and culture,7576‘L’avenir du Nord. La société civile est incontournable affirme Iyad ag Ghali’,L’Essor , 06/10/1993.‘La Rebellion au Mali: Qualités et Vices’, Cauris, February 1993.