Mali peace talks continue after renewed clashes in the north

A monthly meeting of the committee monitoring Mali’s peace agreement continued on Tuesday, with the aim of trying to break an impasse between the conflicting parties.

This comes after renewed fighting pitting Tuareg rebels and pro government militias erupted last week in the northern town of Kidal, leaving at least 20 people dead.

According to Ahmed Boutache, the president of the peace monitoring committee, the latest clashes have dealt a heavy blow to the whole peace process which has already been delayed and additional effort has to be put in place to achieve peace in Mali.

The United Nations has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and said that it is working with leaders of both groups to mediate the conflict and resume the peace process.

While the committee monitoring the agreement has managed to have the waring parties convene at the same table, so much cannot be said for efforts on the ground which have been exacerbated by the rise of Islamist militants who have staged attacks in the area since 2015.

News Agencies