The end of Timbuktu's gate-crashing jihadists

Since French commandos parachuted on to the sand just north of Timbuktu and liberated the city from the jihadists, there is a growing sense of freedom, particularly among women. Video: The Guardian

Dancing in Timbuktu

Oh what a feeling dancing in Timbuktu
under a clear desert sky
with thousands of sparkling stars
gazing at the warm fire
sipping French Cognac.

Sisters and brothers relaxing on white satin
never reaching the end
rejoicing in freedom
singing Vive la France
we love you
oh, how we love you.



The gate-crashers are out in the cold
shivering in the wilderness
sleeping with the scorpions
sucking their poison
staring at the party-goers with envy
cause they can't dance
they can’t sing
and they can't love.

Thanks to the courageous French Army
our great Malian brothers and sisters
can live in freedom, peace and love
and dance the night away
in ancient Timbuktu
the land of Saints, science, mathematics and astronomy
oh, we love them
yes, we love them.

Oh what a feeling dancing in Timbuktu
under a clear desert sky
with thousands of sparking stars
gazing at the warm fire
sipping French Cognac.

Sisters and brothers relaxing on white satin
never reaching the end
rejoicing in freedom
singing Vive la France
we love you
oh, how we love you
yes, we love you.

© Alton Shameem

Courtesy of All-Ethnic Congress (NZ)

• Dancing in the streets again in Timbuktu