Title: The tense situation in Ber: the arrival of the Malian army and the Wagner Group sparks protest
Introduction :
The Ber military camp, located in the region of Timbuktu in Mali, was recently taken over by the Fama (Malian Armed Forces) and their Russian counterparts from the Wagner group. This takeover has led to a protest from the former rebels of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), signatories of the 2015 peace agreement, who believe that this action is a violation of the ceasefire. fire in force and calls into question the security arrangements provided for in the agreement. In this article, we will examine the reactions and growing tensions around this situation in Ber.
Ex-rebels contest the arrival of the Malian army and Wagner:
The CMA considers the arrival of the Malian army and the Wagner Group in Ber as an “aggression”. They believe that this takeover goes against the 2014 ceasefire and the provisions of the 2015 peace agreement which give control of this part of the territory to the ex-rebels of the CMA. Military reprisals are envisaged by the ex-rebels if the Malian army and its Russian auxiliaries refuse to leave.
Clashes have already taken place:
According to CMA officials, clashes have already broken out between the Malian army and the CMA in Ber. Positions of ex-rebels in the city were also bombarded by the Malian air force. For the moment, only material damage is to be deplored, but the tension remains palpable. The ex-rebels believe that the actions of the Malian government jeopardize the peace agreement and want the latter to bear the consequences.
The communication of the Malian government questioned:
The CMA also criticizes the communication of the Malian government which, in its statement about the arrival in Ber, does not mention the CMA, but only “armed terrorist groups”. The ex-rebels believe that this aims to assimilate the CMA to jihadist groups, which they vigorously contest. The CMA asks that the Malian government take its responsibilities and assume the consequences of this situation before History.
Conclusion :
The situation in Ber, with the arrival of the Malian army and the Wagner Group, aroused strong tensions and protest from the former rebels of the CMA. The alleged violation of the ceasefire and security arrangements provided for in the 2015 peace agreement calls into question the stability of the region. It is essential that stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue to peacefully resolve these disputes and preserve the progress made in the peace process in Mali