| Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad | |
| War: | Mali War |
| Active: | May 6, 2021 – present |
| Clans: | Coordination of Azawad Movements Platform (until September 2023) |
| Leaders: | President: Bilal Ag Acherif Vice-President: Fahad Ag Almahmoud Spokesperson: Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane |
| Allies: | Mali (until 2023) MINUSMA |
| Opponents: | Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin Islamic State in the Greater Sahara Wagner Group Mali (since 2023) |
| Battles: | Mali War |
The Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (French: Cadre stratégique pour la défense du peuple de l'Azawad; CSP-DPA) is a coalition of political and military movements in northern Mali that was formed on May 6, 2021, as an alliance of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and Platform.[1] In September 2023, Platform left the CSP-PSD due to the CMA's war with the Malian government.[2] In April 2024, the CSP-DPA was renamed from the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (French: Cadre stratégique permanent pour la paix, la sécurité et le développement; CSP-PSD).
Throughout the 2010s, there were brief clashes between the CMA and Platform, so the two groups began talks in late 2020 on reconciling their differences over the Algiers Agreement of 2015. The CSP-PSD was created officially on May 6, 2021, after two days of discussion in Rome. Their first provisional president was Bilal Ag Acherif, leader of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), vice-president Fahad Ag Al-Mahmoud, and their spokesperson was Moussa Ag Acharatoumane.[3]
On December 12, 2022, the CSP-PSD pulled out of peace talks with the Malian government, accusing the government of being unwilling to negotiate. The group stated that in order for them to return, new peace talks needed to be held in a neutral country.[4] [5]
On June 22, 2023, the CSP-PSD lambasted the Malian government's threats pressuring the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to leave, claiming that the absence of MINUSMA without a "credible alternative would constitute a threat to security in Mali and the whole region."[6]
On September 26, 2023, Platform left the CSP-PSD[7] due to the CMA's attack on Malian government bases following Mali's collaboration with Wagner Group mercenaries and their war crimes against civilians.
In April 2024, the CSP-PSD became the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA).[8] Between July 25-27, 2024, the CSP-DPA engaged in a battle against Malian forces and Wagner Group mercenaries, reportedly killing, wounding, and capturing dozens, including at least three Wagner Group commanders.[9] [10] [11]