Signing of Peace Agreement to Open New Page in Mali's History

Source: 
All Africa
Publication date: 
Apr 21 2015

The signing of the peace and reconciliation agreement in Mali, scheduled for 15 May in Bamako, will open a "new page" in the history of this country, which is seeking stability, security and development.

Signed in Algiers on March 1st by the government of Mali and the political-military groups of Northern Mali, under the supervision of the international mediation, led by Algeria, the peace and reconciliation agreement is the fruit of a long negotiation process launched in July 2014.

"It's a new page in the history of this country (Mali) that will be opened as from May 15th," said Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

The peace agreement, which will be signed with the support of the international community and with the participation of all Malian stakeholders, will allow Malians themselves, with the support of the international community, to change the situation in Mali," he added.

 

In this regard, Lamamra underlined Algeria's contribution to the inclusive inter-Malian dialogue process, adding that the signing of the agreement by the Malian parties will mark the beginning of its implementation.

The mediation team invited all parties to sign Algiers agreement, saying that "the ongoing peace process must continue with a view with a view to consolidating the gains made so far."

Broadened to the United States and France, the mediation said that "this step (the signing of the agreement) will open way to the implementation of the commitments made."

The mediation will see that the implementation of the agreement would be effective and complete, according to the terms and the timetable for the implementation that will be defined in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.

Meeting the expectations of the Malian population

The mediation also recalled "how the Malian people were hopeful and optimistic when the inclusive inter-Malian talks were launched as part of Algiers process on 16 July 2014," adding that "they (Malians) are eager to see this legitimate aspiration achieved and that, through their actions, their leaders would lead them to peace, national reconciliation, good governance and socioeconomic development."

In a document, which is due to be signed during a ceremony that will be held in the Malian capital, the parties committed to fully implement in good faith the provisions of the agreement.

 The agreement underlines the need to respect the national unity, territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Mali, as well as the secular and Republican nature of the state.
 
 It aims at creating the required conditions for "a just and lasting peace in Mali" and contributing to the regional stability as well as to international security.

The document also defines the transitional period, defence and security as well as the actions and projects for the economic, social and cultural development in the northern regions of Mali in the short, medium and long terms.

The mediation team comprised, besides Algeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in addition to Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

The politico-military movements of Northern Mali that signed the agreement are the Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA), the Coalition for the People of Azawad (CPA) and the Coordination of the Patriotic Resistance Movements and Fronts (CM-FPR).

However, the Coordination of the Movements of Azawad (CMA), which comprises the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), the High Council for the Unity of Azawad (HCUA) and the Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA, dissident) have asked for a "pause" to consult their rank and file before signing the document.

Ending insecurity in Northern Mali

Following the recent developments in Northern Mali, which witnessed attacks against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), signing the agreement proves to be a necessity to lay the foundations for a lasting peace.

The United Nations Security Council urged the Malian politico-military movements that have not yet signed Algiers agreement to do so in order to resolve the crisis

The Council called on all the protagonists to seize this "historic opportunity" for a lasting peace in Mali.

For the African Union, the signing of the agreement and its implementation would help "achieving lasting solution to the crisis in northern Mali, stabilizing this region and speeding up the socioeconomic development.

The implementation of the inter-Malian peace agreement will constitute an efficient means to fight against terrorism and the organized criminal networks in Northern Mali and in the Sahel-Saharan sub-region.

 

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201504220933.html