Bamako excludes Barbiche Arab tribes from talks on Mali’s future

Mali’s interim President Dioncounda Traore excluded all tha factions in northern Mali from dialogue, saying he is ready to hold talks with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azwad only.

The Malian president said his offer depends on the recognition of the territorial integrity of Mali which has been divided since spring 2012’s military coup.

“We are obliged to hold talks with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azwad because they are Malian citizens. Integrity and national unity needs a dialogue with all the Malians,” French news agency reported citing Traore.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azwad is still occupying the area of Kidal in northern Mali. Its leaders fled to Burkina Faso as Jihadist groups dominated the north. They came back to Azwad following January’s French military attack.

Traore ignored other factions operating in Azwad such as Barbiche Arab tribes which were attacked by the Malian army with the help of France and African forces.

He denied the central government’s intention to approve Azwad’s independence and called for a decentralized system which offers administration freedom to Azwadi people.

“We will not reach that limit (he means separation). We believe that if a decentralized system is implemented correctly, everyone will be happy,” he said.

He also said the separation issue will be decided after the election of a new president by the end of July. “Mali faces a large number of deep problems which can not be solves through a transition phase. A legitimate government which comes from elections can handle the country’s development.”

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azwad asked for international guarantees for the success of talks in accordance to the UN Security Council Resolution No 2100.