Demobilisation will test Mali peace process

Subject

Prospects for peace in Mali

Significance

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls visited Bamako on February 18-19, just days after German President Joachim Gauck, to reiterate international support for Mali. Western governments are concerned about the threat from jihadist groups operating in the country's Saharan north and their potential for developing links with Islamic State group (ISG) in Libya. Despite the expanded terrorism threat, there have been some positive developments: the peace process in the north has taken major strides forward and decentralisation aimed to underpin peace has advanced.

Impacts

• International partners will reinforce security efforts.
• To combat the risk of terrorism in Bamako, the authorities will encourage the public to report suspicious activity at community level.
• Regional elections will offer non-jihadist former rebel leaders a chance to assume a share of power locally.