Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – In a press release received by AFP and shared on various social networks, the ex-rebels of northern Mali announced on Monday that they consider themselves to be “in times of war” with the current junta in power in Bamako.
The Coordination of Movements of Azawad (CMA), an alliance of armed groups that signed a peace agreement with the Malian government in 2015, expressed their concerns and frustrations. They accused the junta of failing to implement the provisions of the peace accord, which was intended to bring stability and reconciliation to the war-torn region.
“We are in a situation of war with the junta,” said Almou Ag Mohamed, a leading member of the CMA. “Instead of implementing the peace agreement, they are stalling and backtracking. This is a direct violation of our trust.”
The CMA’s statement comes amid rising tensions in Mali following a military coup in August that removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita from power. The junta, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), has since assumed control of the country and promised to hold elections within a reasonable timeframe.
However, the CMA accuses the junta of sidelining their demands and prioritizing their own interests. They claim that the junta’s actions have only exacerbated the already fragile security situation in northern Mali, where several armed groups continue to operate despite the peace agreement.
“We expected the junta to bring stability and address the root causes of the conflict,” said Ag Mohamed. “Instead, they are engaging in power struggles and ignoring our concerns. This is pushing us further into a state of war.”
The CMA’s statement has raised concerns among international observers, who fear that the escalating tensions between the ex-rebels and the junta could lead to a renewed wave of violence and instability in Mali. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has called for calm and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
“Mali cannot afford another cycle of conflict and bloodshed,” said a spokesperson for MINUSMA. “We call on all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.”
As the political deadlock and security challenges persist in Mali, the fate of the peace agreement hangs in the balance. The ex-rebels of the CMA remain committed to their cause and are prepared to defend their interests, even if it means resorting to armed conflict.
The junta and the CMA must find a way to bridge their differences and work towards a comprehensive and inclusive peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for the already fragile peace in Mali and the wider Sahel region. It is crucial for both sides to prioritize dialogue and find a common ground for the sake of the Malian people and the future stability of the country.
