Comments on: The Ouagadougou Accords – Peace in our time?

By: Mali: wankele vrede – Redactie Radio Centraal

Mali: wankele vrede – Redactie Radio Centraal — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 11:05:07 +0000

[…] Eindelijk kwam er dan een akkoord tussen de regering in Bamako, de MNLA (‘de Toearegrebellen’), én de nog jonge HCUA, die pakweg het gezag van de machtigste traditionele clanleider bevestigt. En dat akkoord moest er snel komen, want alleen zo kunnen eind deze maand de verkiezingen in Mali doorgaan, en die moeten er dan weer snel komen omdat Het Buitenland om diverse redenen een legitieme regering geïnstalleerd wil zien in Mali. Of al dat overhaast gedoe ook een duurzame en stabiele vrede oplevert, valt af te wachten. Hoe de islamistische gewapende groepen zich verder zullen gedragen, ook. We belden met Andy Morgan naar aanleiding van zijn analyse van het akkoord. […]

By: Mali Update | Security Assistance Monitor

Mali Update | Security Assistance Monitor — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 21:54:39 +0000

[…] presence of UN peacekeepers in exchange for a government promise to implement a road map towards regional autonomy. The government’s mediator, Tiébilé Dramé, rejoiced, stating, “the agreement re-establishes […]

By: Robert Pringle

Robert Pringle — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 21:15:08 +0000

A very interesting piece. I really do not know enough about Tuareg politics to make a sensible comment, but it does seem to me that you are on the right track. How about calling the new formula “decentralization” instead of “autonomy?” The old decentralization seemed to be working well in the north, for a time; it was arguably the best thing about Mali’s democracy. If tried again it would have to be given enough air (i.e. money) to breathe. But it might be less offensive than autonomy to those who are hung up on preserving Mali’s sovereignty.

By: Accord and discord in Mali | Bridges from Bamako

Accord and discord in Mali | Bridges from Bamako — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:11:22 +0000

[…] 20 June: To learn more on reactions to the Ouaga accord (particularly from the Tuareg), see Andy Morgan’s analysis and Al Jazeera’s “Inside Story” from […]

By: Andy Morgan

Andy Morgan — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 09:46:47 +0000

Thanks, Anne. Yes, it’s hard not to be pessimistic. A true resolution of this conflict is going to take some inspired, courageous leadership on BOTH sides. And I don’t see that leadership in place. Bilal sounds like a decent level-headed man, but his lack of leadership experience and geo-political nous is evident. Alghabass just doesn’t strike me as someone who possesses the talent, intelligence and insight necessary for his job. So who else is there? And on the Malian side? If Malian politicians pander to the street at this crucial juncture its problems will NEVER be resolved…

By: Anne Saint Girons

Anne Saint Girons — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 09:39:52 +0000

“I have a dream…” but reality sets in and with it a feeling of hopelesness! Why should this umpteenth peace acccord meet with a different fate than all preceeding ones? As you say, it would require a lot of goodwill from a lot of people, but I believe that “hate trumps love”… Forgive my pessimism!