Mali: Ansar Dine withdraws its offer of a cessation of hostilities
The Islamist group Ansar Dine has announced suspension of its offer to cease hostilities, in a statement signed by its leader Iyad Ag Ghaly, and disseminated by the agency Mauritanian Sahara Media. Ansar Dine blames Mali for failing to progress dialogue and negotiations.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Mali-Ansar-Dine...
The communiqué was signed Sheikh Abu Elfadel, which is Arabic name used by the Tuareg leader Iyad Ag Ghali, according to RFI. The letter followed the mediation efforts made in recent months by Burkina Faso to initiate negotiations.
Ansar Dine welcomed President Blaise Campaore's "tireless" efforts but Iyad Ag Ghaly said he did not perceive "any sincere desire for peace and negotiation of the Malian side." Ansar Dine accused the Malian government of mobilsing mercenaries and militia whilst negotiating for peace.
Iyad Ag Ghali decided that he had no choice but to suspend his offer to cease hostilities.There is speculation that this might be a negotiating tactic to bring pressure on Bamako,however Ansar Dine has not brokenwith its ally AlQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as it had promised.
The move could also be seen a setback in Algerian efforts to encourage dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Ansar Dine welcomed President Blaise Campaore's "tireless" efforts but Iyad Ag Ghaly said he did not perceive "any sincere desire for peace and negotiation of the Malian side." Ansar Dine accused the Malian government of mobilsing mercenaries and militia whilst negotiating for peace.
Iyad Ag Ghali decided that he had no choice but to suspend his offer to cease hostilities.There is speculation that this might be a negotiating tactic to bring pressure on Bamako,however Ansar Dine has not brokenwith its ally AlQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as it had promised.
The move could also be seen a setback in Algerian efforts to encourage dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Mali-Ansar-Dine...