Mali Transition Initiative (MTI) Quarterly Report FY2014 - QIII

The Gao office became fully operational, and the Mopti office was effectively closed down, with final closeout happening in the next quarter. AECOM reconfigured the MTI team to better align with the evolving transition priorities and based on feedback received from the Management Review and Program Performance Review undertaken by OTI and AECOM during the quarter. The country situation in Mali remained challenging during the quarter, with violence flaring again in the North. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) carried out attacks during the new Prime Minister's first visit to the Kidal Region on May 17, 2014, resulting in the hostage-taking of 30 civil servants and bystanders and the killing or summary execution of eight civil servants. The security situation in the north became more fragile, with the northern armed groups (NAGs) increasing their presence and activity. MTI received its third funding obligation of $2.8 million, which will enable the program to operate through January 2015. The opening of the Gao office extended MTI into a new geographical area and a new area of programming. MTI cleared its first three activities in Gao, supporting local-level forums on reconciliation and a small infrastructure activity to encourage greater engagement between the government and local population in Gounzoureye commune. MTI also moved quickly to provide support to civil society organizations committed to calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and national unity. A loosely-assembled group of civil society organizations, dedicated to encouraging peace in Mali, came together to form a Platform for Peace. The platform members are carrying out civic actions and activities supporting the national Together We Are One Nation (#EnsembleNousSommesUnPeuple) campaign, which aims to promote peace and national unity among Malians. The budget information for the quarter shows that MTI received $8,045,932.00 in approved funds, with $4,713,642.69 spent to date, leaving a balance of $3,332,289.31. The program highlights and achievements include the opening of the Gao office, the clearing of new activities, and the provision of support to civil society organizations committed to peace and national unity. MTI's activities in the Gao region are critical to the fight for peace and stability and against extremism in Mali. The program's efforts to support local-level forums on reconciliation and infrastructure development are aimed at encouraging greater engagement between the government and local population. The Platform for Peace, formed by civil society organizations, is carrying out civic actions and activities to promote peace and national unity among Malians. The security situation in the north remains fragile, with the northern armed groups (NAGs) increasing their presence and activity. The peace process, viewed as stalled, was completely derailed following the outbreak of fighting in May. However, further talks and a return to negotiations to move toward a definitive peace process are expected in the coming quarter.