Mali cease-fire

On Feb. 19, the government of Mali signed a cease-fire agreement with six armed rebel groups from northern parts of the country.

In January 2013, al-Qaeda rebels, allied with Tuareg groups, took control of Azawad, the Saharan north of Mali, and attempted to assault the capital, Bamako, but they were turned back by Malian, African Union (AU) and French troops. French and AU troops also assisted Mali in retaking Azawad. 

Though Mali is effectively in control of Azawad, armed groups are still active in the area and have demanded more autonomy. Mali’s government has rejected autonomy but says they will consider granting more power to local governments.