French soldiers patrol outside Djinguereber mosque after Friday prayers in the center of Timbuktu February 1, 2013.

People hold Malian and French flags during the reopening ceremony of Mahamane Fondogoumo elementary school in the town center of Timbuktu, February 1, 2013. 

Children celebrate holding a French flag during the reopening ceremony of Mahamane Fondogoumo elementary school in the town center of Timbuktu February 1, 2013.

Islamist rebel prisoners guarded by Malian gendarmes are seen at a military camp in the center of Timbuktu February 1, 2013.

Malian gendarmes show weapons used by Islamist rebels at a military camp in the center of Timbuktu February 1, 2013.

During an official visit organized by the French military, residents and journalists gather around a French Sagay tank positioned overlooking the bridge crossing the river Niger at the entrance of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.

During an official visit organized by the French military, French troops are positioned overlooking the bridge crossing the river Niger at the entrance of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.

Three Malian girls walk in the streets of Gao, Mali, January 31, 2013.

Chadian soldiers patrol the streets of Gao, Mali, January 29, 2013.

This photo released by the French Army Communications Audiovisual office shows a crowd cheering the arrival of French soldiers in Timbuktu, Mali, January 28, 2013.