Mali's military junta has announced an end to a 2015 peace deal with Tuareg rebels in the country’s north, a move that could further destabilise the Sahel nation. The peace agreement was aimed at easing tensions at a time when Tuaregs mounted jihadist violence against the central government since 2012. Last month, the armed groups suspended their participation in the deal pending the "organisation" of a crisis meeting with the Malian government "on neutral ground”. The rebels have escalated attacks in recent months and gained some ground in northern Mali. But they have also faced an onslaught from the Malian armed forces, who teamed up with Russian military contractor Wagner Group and kicked out French forces and the UN peacekeepers.

Source: Daily Nation January 26, 2024 13:46 UTC