During the evening of Thursday 24 August, the European Union hailed the signature the previous day of a truce between the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and the platform of pro-governmental armed groups in Mali after two months of violent clashes. These groups have committed to no longer using their weapons and to freezing their positions.
In a press release, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) stated that this is an important step forward towards rebuilding mutual trust between the signatory parties of the agreement for peace and reconciliation in Mali. The spokesperson added that the commitments taken by the CMA and the platform should be translated "as quickly as possible" into the definitive cessation of hostilities, enabling humanitarian access and the re-establishment of basic social services by the public authorities in the northern regions of Mali.
In addition, the spokesperson said that the return of the governor of Kidal, Sidi Mohamed Ag Icharach, the previous day was a step forward towards the return of the State of Kidal (in the north-east of the country). He has been absent since 2014.
The European Union welcomes the role played by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Algeria and the government of Mali to reach this agreement, the EEAS spokesperson added.
The spokesperson reiterated the EU's resolve to support the peace process so that Mali and the region can enjoy lasting peace. The full respect of commitments taken as part of the Algiers agreement (between the government of Mali and six armed groups in 2015) remains the only way of ensuring peace, national reconciliation and sustainable and inclusive development in Mali, the EEAS spokesperson added (see EUROPE 11265). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)