UN envoy says peace process in Mali is 'back on track' but remains fragile following violence

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. envoy for Mali says "the peace process is back on track" after violence in August threatened to disrupt a peace agreement between the government and separatist rebels.

But Mongi Hamdi told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that "vigilance will be required as the peace process remains fragile."

He says he brought together the top military leadership of pro-government militias and Tuareg and Arab rebels for the first time on Sept. 23.

Hamdi says they agreed to cease hostilities, return to their positions prior to the June 20 peace agreement and return to the peace process.

He said "the cease-fire and the terms of these agreements are now holding."

Mali has been in turmoil since a 2012 military coup led Islamic extremists to take over much of the north.