Bani Walid defies NTC forces

Forces continue to amass around Bani Walid, one of the few towns in Libya still loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

The National Transitional Council (NTC) is trying to negotiate a peaceful handover with the powerful Warfalla tribe that controls the town. But despite calling on anti-Gaddafi Warfalla from Tripoli to lead the talks, they are at a standstill.

The Warfalla make up a sixth of the Libyan population and are often described as “kingmakers”, so – not surprisingly – the NTC is keen to win their support.

Along with Sirte, Bani Walid is one of the last remaining pockets holding out against the uprising.

But Gaddafi’s whereabouts are still a mystery and it is feared he may have many supporters lying low but ready to rise again – all of which means it is too early for the rebel fighters and the NTC to claim victory.

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