VOICED: Malian town under Islamist power as government awaits moment

The video discusses the control of northern Mali by Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda, who have taken over from Touareg rebels. The political instability in Bamako allows these groups to recruit and strengthen their hold. There are concerns about the potential destruction of cultural monuments, similar to what happened in Timbuktu. The local population is adapting to the new rule, which is less strict than in Timbuktu, as the Islamists prepare for a possible counteroffensive by the Malian army once a national unity government is established.

What concerns do people have regarding the ancient monuments in the cities?

What preparations are being made by the occupants in northern Mali?