Protocol D'Entente

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Country/entity: Mali
Azawad
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Protocol D'Entente
Date: 27 Aug 2014
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Tuareg Wars (1962 - )
Mali-Azawad
The nomadic Tuareg in the north of Mali maintained a long-standing revolt against a government traditionally dominated by southern politicians shortly after Mali became independent from France in 1960. The uprisings focused in and around the Azawad region, north of Timbuktu. After several outbreaks of violence during the 1980s, violence peaked with the 1990 outbreak of the Tuareg Rebellion. Following an initial defeat by the Malian Armed Forces, reparations by the government of Alpha Konare included the creation of the self-governing Kidal region. Violence in 1994 died down following peace between moderates on both sides in 1995 and a negotiated peace agreement. Violence continued due to a lack of integration by combatants, but it was not until 2011 that the situation again escalated in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and the disintegration of Libya, which resulted in a heavy inflow of small arms, and the increased involvement by Algeria. In January 2012, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) together with several other groups took full control of the region. Disputes on how to handle the situation led to a military coup against President Touré in March 2012 that, in turn, resulted in further turmoil. The MNLA declared the independence of Azawad, but soon lost control of most of the territory to radical Islamist militias including Ansar Dine. A French intervention in January 2013 paved the way for a UN mission, which was established in April of that year. In June 2015 multiple declarations culminated in a final agreement between several Azawad-affiliated groups, including MNLA, and the government of Mali to end hostilities. However, inadequate implementation of the agreement results in continual armed confrontations between pro-government militias, Azawad-affiliated groups, dissidents of Azawad-affiliated groups, ethnically oriented groups, and increasingly since 2017, radical Islamist militias.

Niger-Aïr-Azawad
In 1990 the nomadic Tuareg in northern Niger explicitly sought greater political autonomy following decades of grievances on local political exclusion. With the first armed group Aïr and Azawad Liberation Front (FLAA) to be established in 1991, fighting between 1990 to 1995 took place largely in the Air Mountains. A short-lived truce was agreed in 1994 between the Niger Government and the Tuareg umbrella organisation Coordination of Armed Resistance (CRA), later called Organisation of Armed Resistance (ORA). Another accord was signed in April 1995 in Ouagadougou with various other Tuareg groups and some Toubou, the last signing in 1998. After ten years of relative peace, Movement of Nigeriens for Justice (MNJ) reinvigorated conflicts in 2007 following little follow up by the Nigeriene government on the signed peace agreements.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Inter-group
Peace process: Mali-Azawad Inter-Azawad peace process
Parties: Le Mouvement National de Libération de l’Azawad (MNLA),
Bilal Ag Acherif
Secrétaire General

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la déclaration d’Alger du 9 juin 2014 (MAA)
Mohamed Lamine Ould Sidatti
Secretaire General

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la Plateforme d’Alger du 14 juin 2014 (MAA),
Ahmed Ould Sidi Mohamed
Secrétaire General

Le Haut Conseil pour l’Unité de l’Azawad (HCUA),
Alghabas Ag Intalla
Secretaire General

La coalition du Peuple pour l’Azawad (CPA),
Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh
Président

La Coordination des Mouvements et Forces Patriotiques de Resistances II (CM FPR 2)
Mr Ibrahima Kontao
Président
Third parties: -
Description: This is an agreement between the opposition groups of the Azawad/North Mali region to harmonise their efforts in negotiating with the Government of Mali.

Agreement document: ML_140827_ProtocoledEntente_EN.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): ML_1400827_Memorandum_of_Understanding.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Rhetorical
Page 2, Article 1:
1. To commit, in accordance with the framework presented through the Ouagadougou Agreement, the Algiers Declaration of 09 June 2014, the platform of 14 June 2014 and the Road Map signed in Algiers on 24 July 2014, to pursue together the fight for the defence of the legitimate rights of the people of Azawad/North Mali by progressing the search for an institutional solution specific to Azawad/North Mali which:
- Reflects in fact and in law the geographical, economic, social and cultural diversity of Azawad/Northern Mali;
- Responds to the legitimate aspirations of Azawad/North Mali populations with regard to politico-institutional, military-security, economic and socio-cultural plans;
- Takes the current situation into account.

Page 2-3, Article 9:
To reaffirm their commitment to the unity of the populations and the reestablishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in Azawad /North Mali in particular, and in Mali in general, and thus commit themselves to persevere in this direction. After reviewing the current political and security context of Azawad/North Mali in particular and Mali in general, they have also agreed to the following:
- The harmonization of their strategies for negotiation with the Government of Mali,
- The standardization of their political platforms and the defence of their shared demands.
- The unification of their efforts for the defence of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people of Azawad/ North Mali and the security of the people of Azawad/ North Mali.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: Power sharing→Territorial power sharing→Autonomous regions
Page 2, Article 1:
1. To commit, in accordance with the framework presented through the Ouagadougou Agreement, the Algiers Declaration of 09 June 2014, the platform of 14 June 2014 and the Road Map signed in Algiers on 24 July 2014, to pursue together the fight for the defence of the legitimate rights of the people of Azawad/North Mali by progressing the search for an institutional solution specific to Azawad/North Mali which:
- Reflects in fact and in law the geographical, economic, social and cultural diversity of Azawad/Northern Mali;
- Responds to the legitimate aspirations of Azawad/North Mali populations with regard to politico-institutional, military-security, economic and socio-cultural plans;
- Takes the current situation into account.

Page 2, Article 3:
The need to achieve broad autonomy for Azawad/ Northern Mali;
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 1, Preamble:
[…]
- Having conducted an in-depth discussion on the political, security, humanitarian, economic, social and cultural situation in Azawad/North Mali;
[…]
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 2, Article 5:
To intensify their information and awareness activities, both inside and outside of Azawad/North Mali, in order to share their common vision and direction of their struggle with respect to the individual principles of each of the Parties.

Page 2, Article 8:
To respect and undertake information and awareness activities on the present Memorandum;
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Promotion
Page 2, Article 1:
1. To commit, in accordance with the framework presented through the Ouagadougou Agreement, the Algiers Declaration of 09 June 2014, the platform of 14 June 2014 and the Road Map signed in Algiers on 24 July 2014, to pursue together the fight for the defence of the legitimate rights of the people of Azawad/North Mali by progressing the search for an institutional solution specific to Azawad/North Mali which:
- Reflects in fact and in law the geographical, economic, social and cultural diversity of Azawad/Northern Mali;
- Responds to the legitimate aspirations of Azawad/North Mali populations with regard to politico-institutional, military-security, economic and socio-cultural plans;
...
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, Preamble:
[…]
- Having conducted an in-depth discussion on the political, security, humanitarian, economic, social and cultural situation in Azawad/North Mali;
[…]
- Reaffirming their strong commitment to contribute to the establishment of lasting peace and security in Azawad;
[…]
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: [Summary: The agreement is between the opposition groups of the Azawad/North Mali region]

Page 2, Article 6:
To engage our respective forces in the fight against any form of attack against Azawad/North Mali;

Page 2-3, Article 9:
To reaffirm their commitment to the unity of the populations and the reestablishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in Azawad /North Mali in particular, and in Mali in general, and thus commit themselves to persevere in this direction. After reviewing the current political and security context of Azawad/North Mali in particular and Mali in general, they have also agreed to the following:
- The harmonization of their strategies for negotiation with the Government of Mali,
- The standardization of their political platforms and the defence of their shared demands.
- The unification of their efforts for the defence of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people of Azawad/ North Mali and the security of the people of Azawad/ North Mali.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 1, Preamble:
[…]
- Expressing their desire to unify their forces, to promote communal harmony within the society in Azawad/North Mali, in all its components without discrimination;
[…]

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue:

http://www.hdcentre.org/

Memorandum of Understanding

Between

Le Mouvement National de Libération de l’Azawad (MNLA),

Le Haut Conseil pour l’Unité de l’Azawad (HCUA),

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la Plateforme d’Alger du 14 juin 2014 (MAA),

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la déclaration d’Alger du 9 juin 2014 (MAA)

La Coordination des Mouvements et Forces Patriotiques de Resistances II (CM FPR 2)

La coalition du Peuple pour l’Azawad (CPA),

Preamble:

Considering the resolutions and declarations of the United Nations on the Malian crisis;

Considering the previous Algiers agreements:

The national pact,

The Tamanrasset accord,

And the preliminary Ouagadougou Accord of 18 June 2013;

Considering the Algiers Declaration of 9 June 2014 signed by the MNLA, HCUA and the MAA and the Algiers Platform of 14 June 2014 signed by the CPA, the MAA and the CM RPF;

Considering the consensus of opinion evident between the Coordination of 9 June 2014 and the CMFPR2;

Having conducted an in-depth discussion on the political, security, humanitarian, economic, social and cultural situation in Azawad/North Mali;

Expressing their desire to unify their forces, to promote communal harmony within the society in Azawad/North Mali, in all its components without discrimination;

Deeply concerned by the distressful situation in which Azawad/North Mali populations find themselves as, in the absence of a definitive solution to the conflict, they continue to endure its effects,

Expressing their firm commitment to successfully achieve the aspirations of the populations of Azawad/North Mali through the Union and in accordance with the commitments made under the consultation process that led to this Memorandum of Understanding;

Reaffirming their strong commitment to contribute to the establishment of lasting peace and security in Azawad;

Concerned about the well-being of the communities wounded by several decades of bad governance and neglect, perpetrated by the different governments of the Republic of Mali since its independence;

Also,

Le Haut Conseil pour l’Unité de l’Azawad (HCUA), représenté par son secrétaire général, Monsieur Alghabas Ag Intalla,

Le Mouvement National de Libération de l’Azawad (MNLA), represented by their Secretary General Monsieur Bilal Ag Acherif,

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la Plateforme d’Alger du 14 juin 2014 (MAA), represented by their Secretary General Monsieur Ahmed Ould Sidi Mohamed

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la Déclaration d’Alger du 9 juin 2014 (MAA), represented by their Secretary General, Monsieur Mohamed Lamine Ould Sidatti,

La Coordination des Mouvements et Forces Patriotiques de Resistances II (CM FPR 2), represented by their president Monsieur Ibrahima Kontao

La Coalition du Peuple pour l’Azawad (CPA), represented by their president, Monsieur Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh, designated by the term ‘Parties’

Agree in good faith, to:

1. To commit, in accordance with the framework presented through the Ouagadougou Agreement, the Algiers Declaration of 09 June 2014, the platform of 14 June 2014 and the Road Map signed in Algiers on 24 July 2014, to pursue together the fight for the defence of the legitimate rights of the people of Azawad/North Mali by progressing the search for an institutional solution specific to Azawad/North Mali which:

Reflects in fact and in law the geographical, economic, social and cultural diversity of Azawad/Northern Mali;

Responds to the legitimate aspirations of Azawad/North Mali populations with regard to politico-institutional, military-security, economic and socio-cultural plans;

Takes the current situation into account.

2. To work for the territorial entity called AZAWAD/North Mali by us, the subject of our combat;

3. The need to achieve broad autonomy for Azawad/ Northern Mali;

4. To harmonize their respective platforms in order to take this into account during future negotiations;

5. To intensify their information and awareness activities, both inside and outside of Azawad/North Mali, in order to share their common vision and direction of their struggle with respect to the individual principles of each of the Parties.

6. To engage our respective forces in the fight against any form of attack against Azawad/North Mali;

7. To agree on an operational plan of action for the implementation of the terms of the present Memorandum;

8. To respect and undertake information and awareness activities on the present Memorandum;

9. To reaffirm their commitment to the unity of the populations and the reestablishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in Azawad /North Mali in particular, and in Mali in general, and thus commit themselves to persevere in this direction.

After reviewing the current political and security context of Azawad/North Mali in particular and Mali in general, they have also agreed to the following:

The harmonization of their strategies for negotiation with the Government of Mali,

The standardization of their political platforms and the defence of their shared demands.

The unification of their efforts for the defence of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people of Azawad/ North Mali and the security of the people of Azawad/ North Mali.

In addition the Parties:

Rejoice in this important step towards unity taken by the sons of Azawad/North Mali.

Welcomed the fruitful efforts deployed by the international community, the United Nations/MINUSMA, the EU, the AU, ECOWAS, the OIC and the neighbouring States in particular, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Algeria, the Niger, Chad as well as the USA, Switzerland and France in order to find a just and happy resolution to the conflict which has taken place between the people of Azawad/North Mali to successive governments of Mali for half a century.

The present Memorandum of Understanding takes effect from the date of its signature.

Done at Ouagadougou on 27 August 2014 and signed by the parties,

Le Mouvement National de Libération De l’Azawad (MNLA)

Bilal Ag Acherif, Secrétaire General

Le Haut Conseil pour l’Unité de l’Azawad (HCUA)

Alghabas Ag Intalla, Secretaire General

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad (MAA) de la Declaration d’Alger du 9 juin 2014

Mohamed Lamine Ould Sidatti, Secretaire General

La Coalition du Peuple pour l’Azawad (CPA)

Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh, Président

Le Mouvement Arabe de l’Azawad de la Plateforme d’Alger du 14 juin 2014 (MAA),

Ahmed Ould Sidi Mohamed, Secrétaire General

La Coordination des Mouvements et Forces Patriotiques de Resistances (CM FPR)

Mr Ibrahima Kontao, Président