Malian Government, Tuareg Rebels Strike A Deal
After being engulfed in decades of unrest, finally the citizens of Mali will sigh a breath of relief as Mali’s Tuareg-led rebel alliance signed a peace deal to end the turmoil driven by ethnic divisions and insurgency in the African country.
Sidi Brahim Ould Sidati, a member of the Arab Movement of Azawad and a representative of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), signed the document on Saturday in front of the media in the country’s capital of Bamako.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ramtane Lamamra, the foreign minister of Algeria and Tuareg rebels as well. Algeria has been hailed for leading international efforts to mediate the peace talks.
The peace accord entails the formation and election of regional assemblies and the fighters to be included in a security force for the north. In addition, the Malian government has also lifted arrest warrants issued in 2013 against several CMA rebels.
The United States Praises Peace Deal
As an advocate for peace, the United States of America today congratulate the Malian citizens and the parties mediating and leading the peace negotiations for the full signature of the Accord for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.
In a press statement in Washington DC, Department Spokesperson John Kirby commended the parties for their commitment to compromise and to resolving their differences through dialogue.
“We wish to thank the Algerian government for serving as lead mediator throughout the negotiations and underscore our continuing support for MINUSMA as we enter the implementation phase of the peace process.” – Mr. Kirby
Mr. Kirby reiterated that the United States will continue to stand by the Malian people as they take the lead in implementing the Accord and bringing about the future of peace and prosperity that all Malians deserve.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ramtane Lamamra, the foreign minister of Algeria and Tuareg rebels as well. Algeria has been hailed for leading international efforts to mediate the peace talks.
US Responds to Evolving Crisis in Mali
US names the challenges Mali continues to face: al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) continued presence in northern Mali, the restoration of democracy, the need to begin negotiations with northern groups that renounce terrorism and recognize the unity of the Malian state, and a significant ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The evolving crisis in Mali is one of the most difficult, complex, and urgent problems West Africa has faced in decades.
US says Mali’s problems reflect the fragility of governance in the region, the lack of economic development especially in northern Mali where the absence of meaningful opportunities for people to engage with their governments, and the widespread desperation that exists in an unforgiving, arid region with chronic food insecurity.
Poor governance, weak democratic institutions, and a lack of development and economic opportunity create fertile ground for terrorism and instability.
Insecurity Rages In Mali
Insecurity raged in Mali in January 2012 when Tuareg rebels from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad launched series of insurgency attack. The Al-Qaeda linked militants seized control of Mali’s northern desert.
A French-led military operation launched an offensive against the rebels and in January 2013, they were able to oust the extremists.
