Thousands of displaced Dogons and Peuls return to their homes in central Mali
Thousands of displaced Dogons and Peuls return to their homes in central Mali
In central Mali, thousands of displaced individuals are making their way back to their ancestral communities within the Bankass circle. This significant return has been facilitated by localized agreements forged between various village communities and the Jnim (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), an organization with ties to Al Qaïda.
While villagers are able to reclaim their homes and agricultural lands, their return comes with stringent conditions imposed by the jihadist factions. These include the mandatory wearing of the veil for women and a prohibition on Western-style education in local schools.
School closures and mandatory veiling enforced
The conditions extend to strict dress codes and prescribed prayer rituals. Men are now required to wear short trousers, while republican schools have been shut down, effectively banning any form of Western curriculum. For women, the Islamic veil has become an obligatory garment.
In exchange for these concessions, the predominantly Peul and Dogon villagers are now permitted to resume their crucial farming and pastoral activities. This resumption coincides with the onset of the rainy season in Mali, which typically begins in June.
“We returned without our wives”
An educator from Bare Darsalam village, located within the Bankass circle, who wishes to remain anonymous, has returned to his home after a seven-year displacement caused by the ongoing conflict in the Sahel region.
He made the journey back without his wife and children. Reflecting on the state of public education and the dress code mandated by the Jnim, he shared: « Our school was destroyed by armed terrorist groups during the village’s displacement in 2019. They demolished everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild the school immediately, we wouldn’t agree. We have resumed our activities following assurances from the mayor of Bankass. We haven’t yet started wearing short trousers. We also haven’t returned with our wives, to determine if the Islamic veil or similar attire is truly necessary. »
Agricultural activities restart
Allaye Guindo, the mayor of Bankass urban commune, confirmed that the signing of these local agreements between village communities and armed groups has spurred a significant influx of displaced persons returning to their homes.
Mayor Guindo elaborated: « Thanks to the signed agreements, people are returning to all the abandoned localities. The 13 villages welcoming back their residents include two villages from Kani Bozon, one from the rural commune of Dimbal, with the remainder being villages within the commune of Bankass itself. It is currently raining, and many returnees have safely begun cultivating their fields. Everyone expresses satisfaction with this development. »
The terms of these local agreements stipulate that customary authorities and notable figures must adhere to the regulations established by the armed terrorist groups. The enforcement of Islamic law, or Sharia, forms the foundational pillar of their collaboration with the local villagers, shaping the current affairs on the ground in Mali.