AFRICA/MALI - The peace agreement signed in a climate of emotion and conviviality

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - "The signing ceremony of the peace agreement took place in a very convivial climate" says Don Edmond Dembele, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Mali to Agenzia Fides, who was present at the signing of the agreement between the Government of Mali and the Coordination of groups of Azawad (CMA). The ceremony was held in Bamako, on June 20, at the presidential building.
"The leader of the coordination of the armed groups of Azawad made a conciliatory speech, as well as those responsible for movements that support the government. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta made a speech that went in the same direction, then at the end of his speech embraced the leaders of the rebel groups. It was a moment of great emotion and at the same time relief for everyone", says Fr. Dembele.
"After the signing of the agreement people feel really relieved, because they tired of war and tension", says the priest. "In Bamako now there is a much calmer climate. The situation in the disputed areas is now calm and there are no reports of clashes", he concludes.
CMA was the last that had to sign the agreement, signed earlier by other rebel groups in the north of Mali. The agreements provide for the integration of combatants of the CMA in the security forces stationed in the North and the creation of regional Assemblies elected by direct suffrage, but not the revival of the autonomy of the North nor forms of federalism. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/06/2015)


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