The second day of workshops commenced on Tuesday, February 27th, focusing on the Inter-Malian dialogue. Announced nearly two months ago, on New Year’s Day, this dialogue aims to facilitate the “national ownership of the peace process.”
The Inter-Malian dialogue, scheduled to last a month upon its commencement, is presented as a wholly national alternative to the 2015 Peace Agreement, which has now been officially terminated. This agreement, negotiated in Algeria with international mediation, excluded the principal actors of the conflict, namely the CSP rebels (Permanent Strategic Framework), signatories of the 2015 accord.
The program outlines four levels of consultation, each spanning three days: communal level – involving 50 to 100 participants –, regional level – with 100 to 200 participants, reaching up to 600 to 800 for the Bamako district alone –, embassies and consulates – with 50 to 100 participants –, and finally, national level – with 1,000 to 3,000 participants anticipated for the final gathering in Bamako.
Five thematic areas have been proposed: peace and national reconciliation, political and institutional questions, economy and sustainable development, defense and security, as well as geopolitics and international environment. With such an expansive agenda, the dialogue aims to produce a final report and recommendations. The overarching goal, as per the official document, is “the restoration of peace, social cohesion, and national reconciliation.”
Workshop activities commenced on Monday morning under the leadership of Transitional Prime Minister Choguel Maïga and are set to conclude on Thursday.