'Today, we need peace' Mali peace talks resume as violence increases

The chief of Kel Ansar deployed intense efforts to reach peace.

While preparations for signing a peace agreement, scheduled for the 15th of May in the Malian city of Bamako, continue to progress, the situation in northern Mali becomes more and more complex and confused.

ALGIERS, ALGERIA (Catholic Online) - Insecurity resurfaces and becomes a concern for both the local population and the country's policymakers. To allow Mali to recover its peace and security, the chief of the tribe Kel Antessar, Abdul Magid Ag Mohamed Ahmed, known as Nasser, deployed intense efforts.

Last April, the peace caravan was organized to raise awareness of the northern population, mainly in the Goundam circle, not to adhere to the violent message preached by jihadists.

Nasser's, chairman of the peace caravan, message has the sole purpose of acceptance of the peace agreements. He is furious because he does not understand why the rebels attack the people of Goundam circle who have nothing to do with what is happening in the northern part of the country.

"It's sad, because I've just leave Goundam, after traveling throughout the area to plead for peace, social cohesion and the cohabitation between our different communities in the district of Goundam," explained Nasser in an interview with Catholic Online. "A week later, there is the increase of violence and banditry resumed. I say to all Tamasheq and Arab parents, whether inside or outside the country, their mothers, their sisters, their fathers, their children are tired.

"It is time they lay down their arms and sign the agreement. It is useless to the war that nothing can bring to communities. People are tired, too much. Today, we need peace."

According to Nasser, people are disappointed over the Goundam acts of the Coordination of the Azawad Movements. "despite all that, the impact we wanted is reached, because the white and black populations are  living together today in the symbiosis in Goundam, Bintagoungou and M'Bouna, despite the chaos sown by CMA."

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