A Malian army fighter plane flew over the city of Kidal on Wednesday where armed groups, as usual, have celebrated the independence of a phantom state every April 6 for the past few years. As this plane passed, elements of the CMA also fired in the air. The CMA, in a statement, denounces “deliberately provocative altitudes” and which constitute a violation of the ceasefire of May 23, 2014.
A moment of tension yesterday in Kidal caused by the flight of Albatross of the FAMa from the city passing through Ber and other localities in the north of our country under the control of ex-rebels.
There was no attack, but elements of the CMA reacted by firing in the air, according to sources.
Immediately, in a press release signed by its spokesperson, the CMA denounced “deliberately provocative altitudes of its positions in Ber, Amassine, Anafis and Kidal in the midst of tensions linked to the blocking of the peace process”.
The Coordination of Movements of Azawad takes this unfortunate adventure as “a patent violation of the ceasefire of May 23, 2014 and a serious provocation carried out under the eyes of the international community guaranteeing security arrangements and the Agreement for the peace. To this end, the Coordination of the Movements of Azawad declines all responsibilities and consequences resulting from such actions”, she warned in her press release.
This act takes place on the eve of the symbolic tradition of celebrating the puppet state of Azawad for supporters of the separation of the country who stage themselves every April 6th. This, despite the signing of the agreement for peace and reconciliation resulting from the process which enshrines the indivisibility of Mali, its unitary, secular and republican character.
Thus, for some observers, the overflight of CMA positions by the Malian Armed Forces may be part of a pressure approach against the ex-rebels.
In addition to this aspect, tension has been high for several weeks between this group and the government, in particular with regard to the inclusion of the commitments of the Agreement in the text of the draft constitution which is in the popularization phase before being submitted. to the referendum on a date to be set by the Independent Election Management Authority (AIGE).
The CMA rejected this document which it does not recognize.
At the time of going to press, the authorities of the transition gave no reaction.
BY SIKOU BAH