In Mali, the Superior Council of Imghad and Allies (CSIA), a Tuareg community organization, organized a large gathering on Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3 in Kidal (north of the country). Several members of the Malian transitional government made the trip, as well as members of the National Transitional Council. After retaking Kidal from the CSP (Permanent Strategic Framework) rebels in November 2023, the Malian state now relies on the Imghad community to establish its authority in the region.
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“ The peace process is not dead “, the end of the 2015 agreementnegotiated in Algeria with the help of international mediation, “ made it possible to bring it back to a Malian level “, ” for peace ” And ” without international interference “. This is the speech given in Kidal by Colonel Ismaël Wagué, Minister of National Reconciliation, who asks the displaced people – who had fled the arrival of the Malian army – to return home.
The CSP rebels were dislodged ago almost four months from Kidal, and the traditional Tuareg Ifoghas chiefdom, until then in control, was replaced by Imghad, another Tuareg fraction – that of General Gamou, appointed governor. It is on this community that the transitional authorities intend to base their legitimacy and authority in the region.
“ The state is back »
“ It’s a door that opens for the populationsenthuses a participant. General Gamou is there for everyone, it is an opportunity to rebuild peace. Schools must also be reopened quickly. »
Another participant qualifies: “ This is communication for social networks. It is true that the situation is improving, the State is back and displaced people are starting to return, but there are a lot of errors », Estimates this Kidalois. Imghad and pro-Malian statethe latter is today in the winning camp, but nonetheless proclaims: “ Arbitrary arrests and pillaging of populations must stop. »
Security guarantees
This gathering, the images of which were broadcast Sunday evening on Malian television, and which was widely relayed on social networks, is variously appreciated by the many Kidalois who fled. “ The Imghad are also at home in Kidalreacted firstly a Kidalois who had left with his family. It’s normal that they organize a rally. We don’t want to hear any more about the tribal issue. »
However, the time has not come for him to return. “ We need security guarantees, for us and for our property », Details another displaced Kidal resident, who cites in particular the violence of the Wagner group. “ Without these guarantees, Kidal will remain empty. »
Finally, on the side of the CSP rebels, whose stronghold is Kidal and who claim to be waiting for the right moment to resume the fight, this gathering is described as “ hypocritical propaganda » and is experienced as a “ provocation » : « It is a festive event on the fresh graves of our people », Estimates a CSP executive.
Read alsoMali: Kidal, a small town and a huge symbol