Quick Facts
Biography
Mano Dayak was a Tuareg freedom fighter, leader, and negotiator. He led the Tuareg Rebellion in Ténéré region, northern Niger during the 1990s. He was born in Tiden valley in the Aïr Mountains (not far from Agadez) in 1949. He died in a plane crash in 1995, causing some speculation that it had not been accidental.
Accomplishments
Besides leading the Tuareg rebellion (which he led from his base in the Adrar de Bouss), Mano Dayak made name as the writer of several important books on Tuareg culture and politics. He also served as the guide of Thierry Sabine during the Paris–Dakar rally.
Earlier in his life he went to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Tuareg band Tinariwen dedicated him a song in their album "Aman Iman".
Mano Dayak International Airport in Agadez is named after him.