Armed groups in Mali: Beyond the labels
Since the 2012 crisis, the number of armed groups in Mali has increased steadily and the threat of terror has spread throughout the country.
The number of armed groups in Mali has increased steadily since the 2012 crisis, although a large swathe of the northern part of the country still remains beyond the control of the national authorities. The armed groups were established either just ahead of or in reaction to peace talks, and their demands often seem to be based on community or individual interests.
This report offers an explanation for the delays in the peace process, particularly before the June 2015 Agreement was reached, and the difficulties encountered in implementing that agreement.
About the author
Ibrahim Maïga is a consultant in the Conflict Prevention and Risks Analysis division at the Dakar office of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). He focuses on human security issues in the Sahel region. He has authored several publications on the situation in Mali and in the Sahel.
