Peace Charter: 50 questions for political parties

As part of the drafting of the first draft of Mali’s National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, the National Drafting Committee, chaired by former Prime Minister Ousmane Oussofi Maga, held meetings with political parties and associations. They were asked 50 questions on five themes. The parties had one week to respond.

The consultative phase of the drafting of the Malian National Peace Charter began this week in Bamako. Members of the Editorial Board met throughout the week with national leaders; namely: traditional and religious authorities and legitimacy, civil and professional organizations, and political parties.

On Tuesday, July 23, the drafting committee of the first draft of the charter held a four-hour exchange of views with the parties at ICBC. The discussion focused on about fifty issues, divided into five themes: peace, security, national reconciliation, social cohesion and living together. The parties have one week to respond.

The main questions the Commission wants to understand with political actors are: What is your understanding of peace? What are the factors that hinder peace in Mali? What measures should be taken to achieve lasting peace? What security and surveillance measures should be taken. The same concerns extend to other topics.

Within a week, the political parties and other coordinated groups should send their responses to the Commission under the CICB. After these different consultations, the Commission will have to draw up a preliminary draft that will be submitted to the Malian Legal Library in accordance with the normal procedures. Remember that the questions can be expanded and then the answers given.

Qureshi Sissi