Thread by @jenanmoussa

When I first met @Baba_A_ in 2013 in magical #Timbuktu, I thought I'll never see him again.

But last night he was my guest here in Dubai. Over Lebanese food he told me stories about Mali &I told him about Beirut &Dubai.

Baba is a great journalist. Pls follow &support his work

At one point @Baba_A_ and I were the only two journalists in Timbuktu who spoke Arabic. So we developed a bond.

The Arabs of Timbuktu back then massively left the city for fear of being targeted after the start of the war to kick the Jihadists out.

One of the sad news I learned from @Baba_A_ is that the famous Khaira Arby has passed away. She was known as "The Nightingale of Timbuktu".

I met her in 2013 in Bamako. It was right after hearing that Jihadists might cut her tongue because she was a singer.

Rest In Peace. 💔

Missing from this dinner were @HaraldDoornbos and @rcallimachi.

Timbuktu brought us all together once. Inshallah one day again soon.