AFRICA/MALI - Despite the latest violence, one hopes in the talks in Algiers in order to reach peace

Monday, 25 May 2015

Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - "The people of Mali had placed great hope in the peace agreement signed on 15 May, but unfortunately violence continues in the northern regions", says to Fides Fr. Edmond Dembele, Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Mali .
"For about three weeks there have almost been daily clashes between the Malian army, some pro-government militias and the Coordination of Movements of Azawad in the north of our Country. This situation is a major concern for local populations, who do not know when they will find peace", reports Fr. Dembele.
One of the problems to be solved to find peace is the split that originated within Toureg groups. "In fact - explains the priest - two groups of the Coordination presented themselves on May 15 in Bamako to sign peace agreements. But the main groups of the Coordination, such as the MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad), have so far refused to accede to the Agreement of 15 May and asked to continue negotiations in order to obtain more concessions".
Today, May 25, new talks should be held in Algiers to find solutions that allow to adjust some details of the Agreement of 15 May, which however will not be the subject of negotiations as such, because the Government of Mali said that it will not change it. "Despite the upsurge of violence in recent weeks, there are high hopes that agreements are found to restore peace. After all, we have no alternative", concluded Fr. Dembele. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/05/2015)


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