Speaking with the “Bad Guys”: Toward Dialogue with Central Mali’s Jihadists

War between the state and jihadists in central Mali has led to growing intercommunal violence.

• ICG

To spare civilians additional harm, the government should explore the possibility of talks with the insurgents about local ceasefires and humanitarian aid – while remaining open to broader discussions.

• What’s new?

The war in central Mali has reached an impasse, with the state unable to defeat jihadist insurgents by force.

The insurgency and military operations against it have exacerbated intercommunal violence.

As a result, some Malians call for negotiations between the government and…

• Speaking with the…