Mali's Military Junta Scraps 2015 Peace Deal with Separatist Rebels

Mali's military rulers have scrapped the 2015 peace deal with separatist rebels, citing the failure of other signatories to uphold their commitments and alleging interference by Algeria, the chief mediator. The cancellation comes after months of fighting in the country, with the rebel alliance group CMA expressing expectation of the decision due to escalating hostilities and the involvement of the Wagner Group. The Algiers Accord began to unravel in August amid increased clashes between separatists and government forces, as Mali's military government, which seized power in 2020, seeks closer ties with Russia and the private army Wagner Group while severing connections with former colonial power France.