One of the key points from the "relaunch" meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the Algiers Peace Agreement held this weekend in Bamako is the beginning of redeployment of the reconstituted Malian army in northern Mali, particularly in Kidal, a locality in northeastern Mali still under the control of former rebels. This reconstituted Malian army is composed of elements from the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and former combatants. The return to Kidal was supposed to be completed on January 24, but last-minute adjustments are necessary.

Comprising several hundred men, the contingent expected in Kidal according to RFI information is already in Gao, the main city in northern Mali. In principle, according to the established schedule, it was supposed to leave Gao this Monday, by road to Kidal, more than 300 kilometers away, with the logistical support of the UN mission in Mali.

But ultimately, the reconstituted Malian army contingent will wait a few more days in Gao, while seeking clear answers to concerns expressed by the Malian authorities. In what environment will the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) component of the contingent operate on the ground in Kidal, for example. Another question: what exactly will be the role of international forces in helping to secure the city in the presence of the Malian army?

To address all these questions and others, the Security Technical Commission (CTS) meets this Tuesday. Representatives from the Malian army, armed groups, the UN mission in Mali and other foreign partners, all members of the CTS will participate in the meeting. If everything goes as planned, it will ultimately be late January when the Malian army arrives in Kidal, a first time since 2014.