Malian opposition resolves to engage in dialogue for peace

Mali’s opposition leader Soumaila Cissé has called on President Aboubakar Keita to facilitate an atmosphere of dialogue in the country.

He made the call shortly after a meeting with the president.

It is the beginning of a series of meetings between the Malian president and the opposition leader in efforts to seek solutions to national issues faced by Mali.

“The greatest problem I have observed is the lack of dialogue in our country. The opposition has requested frequent dialogue. I emphasized that it is good for us to have national consultations to discuss security, institutional and governance related problems,” Soumaila Cissé said after the meeting.

Soumaila Cissé also used the occasion to call on authorities to ensure that calm reigns in the centre and North of Mali especially as elections approach.

The opposition leader stressed on the need to review the electoral code and dates of the municipal elections.

The municipal elections initially programmed for 2014 were later postponed to 2016 due to an unstable political climate.