Negotiations would have marked the first time the government formalised dialogue with such groups.
Mali
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Malian officials have previously endorsed the idea of talks and have backed local peace deals as security deteriorates.
Abductions by al-Qaeda and ISIL-affiliated groups have been frequent as Mali struggles to contain violence.
Paris is accused of abandoning Bamako in its fight against armed groups in the Sahel region.
PM Maiga says French troops created an enclave in Kidal, north Mali, and gave control to ‘terrorist group’ Ansar al-Din.
At least 16 soldiers killed and 10 more wounded near the village of Bodio, Mopti region, according to officials.
Mali’s gov’t expressed ‘ indignation, disapproval’ after Macron’s suggestions that gov’t was ‘not even really one’.
Four other members of the UN mission are injured in the attack that took place near the country’s border with Algeria.
The delivery of military equipment from Moscow comes amid tense relations between Bamako and key ally Paris.
Russian foreign minister says Mali’s turn towards Russian firms is ‘on a legitimate basis’, insists Moscow not involved.
Possible deal reflects ongoing political shift in Mali and changing dynamics in its ties with Russia and France.
Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was wanted by the US, led the Islamic State in Greater Sahara armed group.
Deal could push relations between France and Mali to breaking point, and underscore growing Russia influence in region.
Regional bloc says it feared potential delays in vote aimed at restoring civilian rule following last year’s coup.