SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE AGREEMENT FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN MALI RESULTING THE ALGIERS PROCESS

Addis Ababa, 15 May 2015: The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Erastus Mwencha, today, attended the signing Ceremony of the “Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting the Algiers Process”.

The signing of the “Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting the Algiers Process” is a milestone and a historic moment marking the exit of the country from a deep and multifaceted crisis started in January 2012 when the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA) triggered a rebellion in northern Mali with a clear secessionist agenda. Other Terrorist movements joined this separatist movement, although several elements of them were already present in Malian territory over the last few years. This destabilization of Mali, which almost led to its disintegration, is partly one of the consequences of the Libyan crisis of 2011, as noted in the report of the joint AU/UN expert multidisciplinary mission in the Sahel in November 2011.

In presence of no less than 15 African Head of States and Governments, Mr Mwencha reaffirmed “the unwavering commitment of the African Union to stand side by side with the people of Mali in overcoming the challenges of insecurity and socio-political polarisation of their country”.

In his address, the Deputy Chairperson, invited the movements, which participated in the negotiations but did not sign the agreement, to “join the spirit of the agreement and sign it diligently, at the risk of marginalizing and exposing themselves”.

He, also, seized the opportunity to express gratitude to African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, President Pierre Buyoya for is active and highly appreciated role in the process and paid tribute to all the actors of the international mediation under the leadership of the Republic of Algeria.

FKM