In a significant development for Mali, thousands of displaced individuals, primarily from the Dogon community, are now returning to their home villages within the Bankass circle in the country’s central region. This repatriation follows the establishment of local agreements between these village communities and the Jnim (Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), an organization affiliated with Al Qaïda.

While villagers can once again access their homes and cultivate their fields, these returns are contingent upon strict conditions imposed by the jihadist groups. These mandates include the compulsory wearing of the veil for women and a prohibition on Western-style education in local schools.

schools closed and veil imposed

The imposed conditions extend to specific dress codes and prayer rituals. Men are now required to wear short trousers, while republican schools have been shuttered, effectively banning Western education. For women, the Islamic veil has become obligatory.

In exchange for adhering to these rules, the predominantly Fulani and Dogon villagers are permitted to resume their agricultural and pastoral activities, a crucial allowance as the rainy season commenced in Mali during June.

“we returned without our wives”

An educator from Bare Darsalam village, located in the Bankass circle, who prefers to remain anonymous, has returned to his community after a seven-year displacement due to the conflict.

He made the journey back without his wife and children. Reflecting on the state of public education and the Jnim’s imposed dress code, he stated:

« Our school was destroyed by armed terrorist groups when the village was displaced in 2019. They broke everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild the school immediately, we would not agree. We have resumed our activities after guarantees were provided by the mayor of Bankass. We have not yet started wearing short trousers. We also have not returned with our wives, to determine if the Islamic veil or something similar is required. »

field cultivation resumes

Allaye Guindo, the mayor of Bankass urban commune, confirmed that the signing of these agreements between village communities and armed groups has facilitated a significant return of displaced people.

« Thanks to the signed agreements, people are returning to all abandoned localities. The 13 villages welcoming their residents back include two villages in Kani Bozon, one village in the rural commune of Dimbal. All the others are villages within the commune of Bankass. It is currently raining, and many returnees have begun cultivating their fields in complete safety. Everyone is satisfied. »

The terms of these local agreements stipulate that customary authorities and local notables must adhere to the rules established by the armed terrorist groups. The application of Islamic law, Sharia, forms the cornerstone of their collaboration with the villagers.