BAMAKO, MALI – The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of the implementation of Mali’s 2015 peace agreement, released a new report today that focuses on the reconciliation, justice, and humanitarian issues laid out in Title V of the agreement.
The report, which is the 11th issued by Independent Observer, provides updates on the progress and key remaining challenges to implementing the commitments in Title V and recommendations to support the agreement’s implementation.
Sometimes overlooked in the implementation process, these issues are crucial to achieving peace, stability, and unity in Mali. They deserve closer consideration, especially in light of recent developments, such as the government’s adoption of a national strategy for reconciliation and social cohesion earlier this year; the soon-to-expire mandate of the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission; and the deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly in the regions of Gao and Ménaka.
The Independent Observer notes that there have been important developments in reconciliation and transitional justice, including in the work of Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission. Malian authorities have taken some positive steps forward on other provisions of Title V, such as the strengthening of traditional authorities and of the role of cadis in the administration of justice.
However, other critical aspects of transitional justice have not received the same consideration — notably support for victims seeking justice. While acknowledging recent efforts, the volatility of the environment, and the increasing humanitarian needs, Malian parties have nevertheless been slow to implement provisions on humanitarian issues, including facilitating humanitarian actors’ work.
The Independent Observer calls on the government and the Signatory Movements who signed the peace agreement to increase their efforts to implement Title V, including by: ensuring that reparation mechanisms are functional; providing equal opportunities for victims seeking reparations as for those seeking access to justice; following up on the recommendations of the International Inquiry Commission to further support the fight against impunity; intensifying support for, and monitoring of, judicial reform, and fostering ongoing efforts to secure access and assistance to internally displaced persons and host populations.
Finally, the Independent Observer welcomes and encourages the Malian parties to continue the new dynamic of dialogue and revival of activities for the implementation of the agreement.
A PDF of the full report is available here. The report can also be read on Sway here.
Background: The Carter Center was designated as the Independent Observer in late 2017. According to Article 63 of the 2015 agreement, the role of the Independent Observer is to impartially identify bottlenecks in the implementation process and present recommendations to improve implementation. The role of the Independent Observer was recognized by the U.N. Security Council in resolutions 2391 (December 2017), 2423 (June 2018), 2480 (June 2019), 2541 (June 2020), 2584 (June 2021), and 2640 (June 2022), and it assumed its role in January 2018. This report is intended for the Malian Parties, the international community, and the public. This is the 11th public report presented by the Independent Observer.
L’Observateur indépendant se concentre sur la réconciliation, à la justice et aux questions humanitaires dans son nouveau rapport
Contacts:
In Atlanta: Soyia Ellison, [email protected]
In Bamako: Mohamed Ag Assory, [email protected], +223 77 72 15 69
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
The Carter Center, a non-profit, nongovernmental organization, has contributed to improving the lives of people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts, promoting democracy, human rights and development, preventing disease, and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, and Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady, in partnership with Emory University, to promote peace and health around the world.
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