BAMAKO, MALI (Aug. 23, 2021) – The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, today released a new report that notes improved dialogue between the agreement’s signatories in recent months, while also highlighting the lack of progress on the most important issues and suggesting ways to make headway on implementing the agreement.
The report cautions that, despite better relations between the agreement’s signatories, they remain divided on some fundamental issues that must be resolved during the remaining tenure of the transitional government. These include the lack of agreement on a comprehensive process for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants; the need for concrete development projects in the north and other areas of Mali; the importance of addressing justice and reconciliation issues; and the completion of institutional political reform and decentralization, as called for by the agreement.
Also of concern is the public’s growing skepticism toward the agreement, which threatens successful implementation. To combat this, the parties must live up to their commitment to increase inclusivity and transparency throughout the process.
The report praises two recent initiatives by the parties: holding monitoring committee meetings outside of Bamako and integrating women into the work of the monitoring committee. These improvements represent a promising first step toward a renewed approach to implementation, which will be necessary if it is to succeed and produce concrete benefits for the people of Mali.
The report also underlines the need for more active engagement from the international community to spur progress in the implementation process.
Download the full report (PDF) »
Background: The Carter Center was designated as the Independent Observer in late 2017. According to Article 63 of the 2015 agreement, the Independent Observer’s job is to impartially identify blockages in the implementation process and recommend steps for enhancing implementation. The Center’s role as the Independent Observer was recognized by the United Nations Security Council in resolutions 2391 (December 2017), 2423 (June 2018), 2480 (June 2019), 2541(June 2020), and 2584 (June 2021) and it assumed its role in January 2018. This report, intended for the Malian parties, the international community, and the public, is the ninth from the Independent Observer.
Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
In Bamako, Deo Mbuto, deo.mbuto@cartercenter.org, +223.72.35.57.43.
The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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