Mali Islamists 'buying child soldiers for £375'

Malian soldiers patrol near Kati military camp Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Rebel fighters, among them extremists with links to al-Qaeda, are "buying loyalty" among the local population by abolishing taxes and paying for fighters and wives in a country where more than half the people live on less than 80p a day.

Women bought as wives from their families for as little as £620 are frequently resold in a form of "enforced prostitution", said Ivan Simonovic, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, said after a fact-finding visit to the country.

There have been three public executions, eight amputations and two floggings, he added, and as well as bans on smoking and listening to music, women are now expected to cover their heads and their ability to work has been restricted.

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