The transitional authorities in Mali have reiterated their commitment to implementing the peace agreement by extending an invitation to the armed groups in the northern region for renewed negotiations.

Last week, Colonel Major Ismaël Wagué urged the former rebels in the north to unite in addressing the security challenges following the departure of Minusma.

This gesture from Bamako arrives amidst escalating tensions between the military and the permanent strategic framework for taking over the UN mission’s camp in the Kidal region.

Regional experts and civil society members suggest that dialogue remains feasible between the two parties despite the ongoing hostilities.

Tofik Abdul Nasir has more in this report by Bamako correspondent Aliou Thiam