Mali armed groups sign peace deal

Former Tuareg rebels in Mali and northern rival groups armed pro-government said they sealed a peace agreement to end hostilities Thursday after days of talks.
Mali was hit by violence between the two parties in August and September, despite the peace agreement signed earlier this year.
But jihadists armed groups still represent the main threat in the region, to conduct regular attacks and mine laying.
Officials of the Tuareg Coordination of movements of Azawad (CMA) and the platform, a coalition of pro-government groups, told AFP they reached agreement on a “pact of honor” after nearly three weeks of talks in Anefis, 100 km (60 miles) southwest of the regional capital Kidal.
“We held direct negotiations between us. We ended the meeting tonight (Thursday), everyone has made peace, starting with us, the platform and the CMA, “said member of parliament from Kidal Ahmoudene Ag Iknass, a supporter of platform.
“War is behind us. The platform and the CMA have made peace, but other tribes or groups that had problems with each other has also made peace, “Boubacar Ould Hamadi said the CMA.
The two sides had fought for control Anefis in violation of the peace agreement they had signed – in May for the platform and June for the CMA.
In a statement released Thursday, the peace mission of the United Nations in Mali (MINUSMA) welcomed “the series of meetings in Anefis, from October 4 to 14, 2015, as part of a direct and constructive dialogue” between the two parts.
MINUSMA encouraged by “the development which constitutes a qualitative step in the process of inter-Malian peace.”
“This advance adds to the progress that has been made since the completion of the signing of the agreement for peace and national reconciliation in Mali, March reiterating the resolute towards a sustainable and inclusive peace,” he said.
Divided into rival armed factions, beset by drug trafficking and thank you jihadism, the desert of northern Mali has struggled for stability since the West African nation gained independence in 1960.