Mali installs long-delayed interim authority in troubled north

The long-delayed interim authority for Mali’s troubled nothern Kidal region was finally installed on Tuesday.

The move is seen the first step towards improving security to allow elections in the stronghold of the former Tuareg rebellion.

Hassan Ag Fagaga, president of the CMA rebel alliance was inaugurated as president of Kidal’s new regional council.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including rebel representatives, as well as officials form France, US, Algeria, African Union and the European Union.

The roll-out of interim authorities had been long delayed largely over squabbles on the choice of officials.

However, talks by the government and various armed rebel groups in February yielded a definitive time line for the local officials to take up their posts.

According to an official statement, authorities are set to begin work in Gao and Menaka in the north east on Thursday , followed by Timbuktu in the north west and Taoudenni in the far north on Friday