Mali: What you need to know about the presentation of the terms of reference for the inter-Malian dialogue for peace

Within the confines of Koulouba, the nerve center of the  transitional administration of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, the steward of the Transition, has been entrusted with a meticulously crafted dossier outlining the terms of reference for an imminent inter-Malian dialogue on peace and national reconciliation.

This comprehensive dossier was ceremoniously presented by Ousmane Issoufi Maiga, an esteemed former Prime Minister and the current President of the Dialogue Steering Committee.

Accentuating the pivotal role played by the preliminary terms of reference, the President of the Dialogue Steering Committee underscored their indispensability as the catalyst for initiating the decentralized dialogue process.

He further illuminated that the document emerged from an exhaustive 20-day collaborative effort within thematic commissions, culminating in its validation during a workshop that convened representatives hailing from the Bamako district, diverse regions of Mali, and the diaspora.

Encompassing thematic blueprints, a strategic communication plan, and the inner workings of the inter-Malian dialogue, this dossier represents not just a report but a significant literary and strategic artifact.

Back in January 2024, President Assimi Goïta, wearing the dual hats of Mali’s transitional leader and head of state, instigated the establishment of this inter-Malian dialogue apparatus, driven by the overarching mission to secure lasting peace.

This audacious move followed the formal closure of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, a byproduct of the Algerian-mediated process involving the intricate dynamics of northern separatist armed groups.

In the wake of this proclamation, the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), a confluence of armed groups initially signatory to the 2015 agreement before regrettably relapsing into conflict, issued a communiqué expressing acknowledgment of the decision by Bamako authorities.

The presentation of these terms of reference marks a pivotal juncture in the odyssey toward fostering enduring peace in Mali, symbolizing an inclusive dialogue that authentically mirrors the mosaic of relevant stakeholders.

Neil Camara