Mali: Niono's forum ends on a note of optimism
Malian soldiers in Niono, January 19, 2013. Jérôme Delay / AP Photo
Text by: David Baché
3 min
In Mali, the Niono forum ended this weekend after three days of discussion between authorities, notables and community and religious representatives.
This meeting began on November 5 in the presence of four ministers to try to find a solution to the murderous inter-community conflict that opposes the Fulani community to traditional dozo hunters in this circle of the Ségou region.
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"
Disarm all illegal holders of weapons
", "
ensure the protection of people and their property
" and "
increase the number of inter-community consultation frameworks
" in the circle of Niono: the main commitments appearing in the summary of the meeting, which RFI was able to consult, satisfied most of the participants.
“
We felt a change,”
says one participant with satisfaction.
The ministers want to get out of the logic of the militias.
"For him, the main success of
this forum
consists of the State's commitment to"
disarm all illegal holders of weapons
", that is to say the traditional dozo hunters, accused by the Fulani community of 'arbitrarily take it out on them.
As for the jihadist fighters, "
they were already concerned since the State is fighting them
", translates a local elected representative.
The State also undertakes to "
ensure the protection of persons and their property
" and to "
increase the number of inter-community consultation frameworks
".
On the sidelines of the forum, a crucial meeting was also held between the many dozo hunters who had made the trip and representatives of the Fulani community.
A commitment to cease hostilities
Under the aegis of a marabout from Macina renowned for his success in intercommunity dialogue and the High Islamic Council, the Dozo hunters and the Fulani community have pledged to cease hostilities.
The jihadists active in the area were not represented "
but there were people who transmit the messages
", assure some people present.
“
It's very positive,
” say several participants.
Some express great confidence.
Others are waiting to see what will happen on the ground in the days to come.
Overall satisfaction is therefore expressed, even if doubts persist.
“
Does the State have the means to enforce these commitments
?
“Asks an elected member of the circle, who is waiting to see how things will develop.
At the end of the forum, the involvement of the government was welcomed.
“
The ministers listened to us.
We said everything in front of them and they answered us
”, testifies an elected official.
“
But the jihadists were not there,
regrets another.
They want to apply Sharia law and we never talked about that.
This mayor of a town in the circle does not hide that he is leaving Niono with his concerns.
► To read also
: Mali: the Niono forum for intercommunity reconciliation has started
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