President John Dramani Mahama and other leaders from AU and the ECOWAS states on Friday joined the people of Mali at a ceremony to sign a Peace and Reconciliation Agreement.
The Government of Mali and the rebel groups held their first High-level meeting in Algiers on 16th July, 2014 in a bid to end the Malian crisis.
The rebel groups included the Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA), the Coordination for the People of Azawad (CPA), the Co-ordination of Patriotic Resistance Movements and Fronts (CM-SAF), the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA), the High Council for the Unity of the Azawad (HCUA) and the Arab Movement of Azawad (dissident).
During the final signing ceremony, some of the rebels in the north however rejected the agreement and will only sign it if it provides the possibility of self-determination for their territory.
President Mahama speaking at the ceremony said the Malian crisis has proven to be a real test case for not only Africa, but also the rest of the international community.
He observed that the crisis is of a complex and multi-faceted nature, involving security, political, identity, gender, socio-economic, and environmental dimensions.
“It has sapped the energies of both Malians and the region as a whole. Many of our nationals have lost their lives in the effort to maintain the peace and sovereignty of Mali. We dedicate this event today, to the memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives in the search of Peace for Mali.”
He however called “on all individuals or groups of the Malian society who are yet to embrace this agreement to do so in the interest of the peace, tranquillity and development of the country.”
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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana