September ceasefire between government and Tuareg splinter faction under Ibrahima Bahanga increasingly fragile as government military build-up in remote north continued. Bahanga met former rebel leader Iyad Ag Ghaly in Algiers, 5 November, in effort to revive peace process: outcome unclear In 25 November Bouteflika-Touré meeting, Algeria offered to negotiate with Tuareg rebels to secure release of 30 hostages.

Situation remained tense despite 18 September truce between government and Ibrahima Bahanga’s Tuareg splinter group. Government troop build-up in remote north continued. Pro-government Tuareg leaders met Bahanga 17 October, in new bid to secure release of remaining hostages.

Unrest continued in remote north as Taureg splinter group led by Ibrahima Bahanga launched further attacks after short-lived truce. Rebels fired on U.S. supply plane for Malian military 12 September; reportedly laid siege to remote Malian base at Tin-Zaouantene 14 September; and ambushed government troops 16 September, killing 1. Truce called 18 September after intervention by former Tuareg rebel commander Iyad Ag Ghaly. Military hostages held by rebels freed in deal. International representatives issued statement 10 September emphasising peace process initiated through July 2006 Algiers Accord and March 2007 Kidal Forum.

Final results of July parliamentary elections announced following 22 July run-off: President Amadou Toumani Touré’s Alliance for Democracy won 113 of 147 seats, gaining 16. Largest opposition group, FDR coalition, won 15, down from 50. Opposition SADI party called 12 August murder of official “political assassination”, but did not specify evidence. String of militia attacks in remote north east with some 35 Malian soldiers kidnapped and 11 people killed by newly laid landmines. Troops deployed to Tombouctou, Gao and Kida; 9 abductees freed 29 August.

Legislative elections held 1 July. Voting peaceful but turnout barely over 20%. President Amadou Toumani Touré’s Alliance for Democracy won 125 of 147 seats; main opposition Front for Democracy in Mali only 15.

President Amadou Toumani Touré inaugurated for new 5-year term 8 June. Opposition leader Oumar Mariko called for electoral commission to be dissolved for allegedly tolerating widespread fraud. Constitutional court approved list of candidates for 1 July legislative elections. Unrest on Mali-Niger border continued with attack on security post of Tin-Zaouatine by rebel Tuareg contingent 1 June.

Tuareg rebels led by insurgent chief Ibrahima Bahanga killed 2 military police in attack near Tinzaouatene in north east 11 May, first such raid since June 2006 peace deal. Attack possibly related to leadership quarrel among rebels in newly formed Democratic Alliance for Change ahead of 1st and 22nd July legislative elections. President Amadou Toumani Touré re-elected for second term with 70% in 29 April election. Coalition of opposition parties finally recognized Touré’s victory after Constitutional Court rejected fraud complaints. Observers reported overall fair and clean vote despite isolated incidents of concern.

Tuareg rebels reportedly reneged on peace agreement with government by simply withdrawing but not disarming, though army pledged not to react. Tuareg have vowed to remove Algerian Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat form their territory in north.

Algerian Islamic insurgents attacked group of former Tuareg rebels in northern Mali desert, killing 9. Attack came month after Tuareg fighters killed leader of Algerian rebel movement Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC).

Government signed peace deal with Tuareg rebels, as announced 30 June, promising regional investment and reintegration of rebels into armed forces. EU-funded $20 million investment plan launched in north. 8 Burkinabe killed in clashes over farming land along Burkina Faso border.