Mali releases 19 former rebels

BAMAKO 

The Malian government has released 19 formers rebels and scrapped arrest warrants issued against them, according to a government official.

"Nineteen former rebels were released Tuesday night by the government," the senior official told Anadolu Agency requesting anonymity because the move has not been publicized.

No official announcement has been made about the release.

Ethnic Tuaregs, along with Islamist fighters, took up arms against the government in 2012.

They moved to capture several northern towns, where they later declared independence.

France and Mali's neighbors launched a military offensive in 2013 to recapture the towns.

In June, the government and the Tuareg rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MLNA), signed a ceasefire deal.

The agreement ensured the return of the government authority and army to the northern provinces.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had repeatedly stated his willingness to release detained rebels if that would promote reconciliation and peace in the African country.

By Laetitia Kretz

englishnews@aa.com.tr