Sudan's complex political manoeuvres may indeed split the rebel alliance and broaden the government's base in the north, but they may also sharpen the division between north and south.

ECONOMIST: Sudan loses its chains

The rebel Northern Alliance in Afghanistan say the US strikes have crippled the Taleban's fighting ability.

BBC: Fresh US raids follow bombing error

The board of Alliance Trust has defeated a bid by a rebel shareholder to force a comprehensive review of the investment firm's operations.

BBC: Alliance Trust defeats shareholder's review bid

Seleka - an alliance of three rebel groups - took Bambari last Sunday having earlier seized the rich diamond mining area around Bria.

BBC: Central African Republic to hold talks with rebels

In recent weeks, an alliance of paramilitary groups has threatened to strike deep into rebel strongholds in the south and east of the country.

ECONOMIST: Colombia

An alliance of Tuareg separatist and Islamist rebel groups took advantage to extend their control over the whole of northern Mali - an area larger than France.

BBC: Mali 'hesitant' over UN peacekeeping force