The Malian government and six armed Azawadi groups yesterday signed an agreement to implement a ceasefire in Mali's northern provinces. This is the first result of talks launched last week under the aegis of Algeria. Besides the Malian government delegation, three mostly Tuareg groups (MNLA, HCUA and CPA), two mostly Arab groups (the MAA and dissident MAA), and a coalition mostly made up of Peul and Songhai (CMFPR) have been taken part in the talks.

Parties in conflict have also agreed to implement later in 2014 "a framework for peace negotiations" leading to a "comprehensive, negotiated solution."

MNLA, HCUA and MAA are participating in the talks under a single, joint delegation. The three groups ask for large self-government for Azawad. The Malian government has insisted in recent months that it will neither grant Azawad independence nor autonomy, but Reuters today reports that Bamako would be willing to transfer some powers over local affairs.