Peace talks between the Malian government and rebels holding in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on the situation of the rebel-held northern town of Kidal, on Monday, June 10, 2013, raised expectations of a quick resolution of the problem. 

Radio France Internationale, RFI quoted a source at the talks as saying an agreement was expected late yesterday. Both Mahamadou Djeri Maïga, Vice President of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, MNLA rebel movement and Tiébilé Dramé, leader of the government delegation, had already studied draft copies of the peace terms submitted by the mediator, Burkina Faso’s President, Blaise Compaoré. The High Council for the Unity of Azawad, HCUA, was also involved in the negotiations.

According to the Le Faso.net website, negotiations focused on putting an end to fighting to allow for the holding of free and fair general elections on July 28, 2013 with the participation of internally-displaced people and refugees, and the deployment of administrative and social services, and security forces in northern Mali based on a negotiated settlement. Other areas were the setting up of follow-up and evaluation mechanisms involving development partners and the continuation of peace talks after the elections to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in the north.

Speaking over the weekend, President Compaoré insisted on the need for the talks to quickly result in the return of peace to the north, the establishment of a strong State capable of ensuring good governance, the respect of human rights, stability, peace and development. A hitherto budding and respectable democracy, Mali has not known stability since the overthrow of President Amadou Toumani Touré on March 22, 2012. Though French-led troops earlier this year retook most of the territory lost to militants last year, MNLA rebels continue to occupy Kidal.