[1] In Mali, as part of the "lahda" fraud of the 1970s, Kuntas employed Tilemsi Arabs to conduct illegal trade and smuggle goods across the Malian and Algerian borders.
"[7] Lemhar Arabs are established in the Tilemsi valley near Gao, and have been known their activity in the drug-trafficking industry and connections with Islamist groups during the Mali War.
[12] One of the richest and most notable Lemhars, Baba Ould Cheikh, was the former mayor of Tarkint and was involved the Air Cocaine scandal in the late 2000s.
[16] He also served as a mediator in negotiations for the release of Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler, connecting Burkinabe official Moustapha Ould Limam Chafi with Mokhtar Belmokhtar.
[17] When jihadist groups like AQIM, Ansar Dine, and MOJWA took control of northern Malian cities at the start of the Mali War, many Lemhar traffickers aligned with them to protect their businesses and settle the dispute with the Kuntas.
[19] Other Lemhar notables not connected the drug trade such as Bourem deputy Mohamed Ould Mataly, joined the jihadist groups after their takeover of Gao.
[20] Some former members of MUJAO, spearheaded by Lemhar Yoro Ould Daha, defected to the pro-government faction of the Arab Movement of Azawad.