Inter-Malian dialogue for peace and reconciliation: a bold initiative to emerge from the crisis
In his New Year’s speech, the president of the transition in Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, announced the establishment of a direct inter-Malian dialogue for peace and reconciliation. This initiative aims to promote national ownership of the peace process, without external intervention. The outlines of this dialogue, such as its organization, its participants and its objectives, will be clarified by next February.
This announcement sparked various reactions from the armed groups in the North who signed the 2015 peace agreement. The Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), an ally of the transitional authorities, was delighted to this initiative. According to its spokesperson, Ilyas Ag Siguidi, inter-Malian dialogue is the only alternative to regain peace. He is convinced that Malians, by coming together around the negotiating table, will be able to easily discuss and emerge from the crisis which affects all Malian populations.
On the other hand, the rebels of the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP) categorically reject this initiative. For Mohamed El Maouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the rebel groups, this announcement is synonymous with rejection of the 2015 agreement and calls into question its validity. According to him, an inter-Malian process will not be able to resolve the problems they face. The Malian authorities appear to have abandoned this agreement, leading the rebels to reject any participation in an internal dialogue.
This inter-Malian dialogue initiative for peace and reconciliation is ambitious, but it also raises questions and obstacles. It will be crucial to clarify the objectives and modalities of this dialogue in order to obtain the support of all stakeholders and guarantee its credibility. Finding a long-term solution for peace in Mali will undoubtedly require compromise, concessions and a willingness to work together in the interests of the entire country.