MALI: Civil society cautiously optimistic about prisoner release

BAMAKO Wednesday, September 10, 2008 (IRIN) - Malian civil society organisations say the 09 September release of 44 military prisoners by the rebel May 23 Alliance for Democratic Change in northern Mali is an important step to move past a year of conflict. Mariam Maiga, president of the National Peace Coalition Against Small Arms Trafficking, said the liberation of these prisoners by Tuareg rebel leader Ibrahim Ag Bahanga is critical for national unity. “Our organisation is so pleased because...