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The rebel leaders Hnin Mo spoke to cited the junta's tight control over imports of essential materials like glue and metal.

By then, the junta in charge of Mali had already begun working with the Russian mercenaries to combat the insurgents.

Mali's military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country amid a growing crackdown on dissent since the army seized power.

The junta has also nationalised two gold mines previously owned by a London-listed firm, and said last month that it planned to take control of more foreign-owned mines.

Days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Myanmar at the end of March, killing at least 3,700 people, the country's ruling junta agreed to a halt in its devastating military campaign.