In a significant development for African current affairs, thousands of internally displaced people in Mali, primarily from the Dogon and Peul communities, are now making their way back to their home villages within the Bankass circle in the central part of the country. This wave of returns has been facilitated by localized agreements forged between various village communities and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim), an organization with ties to Al-Qaeda.

These agreements permit villagers to reclaim their homes and agricultural lands. However, these returns come with stringent conditions imposed by the jihadist groups, including the mandatory wearing of the veil for women and the outright prohibition of Western-style education in local schools.

Mandatory veil and school closures enforced

The stipulations extend to specific dress codes and compulsory prayer rituals. Men, for instance, are required to wear short trousers. Furthermore, republican schools have been shut down, effectively banning any form of Western teaching, while women must adhere to the Islamic veil. Such measures highlight the complex challenges facing African governance in conflict-affected zones.

In exchange for adherence to these rules, the predominantly Peul and Dogon villagers are now permitted to resume their agricultural and pastoral activities. This timing is crucial, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season in Mali, which began in June, enabling them to cultivate their fields once more.

“We returned without our wives”

An educator from Bare Darsalam village, located within the Bankass circle, who requested anonymity, has returned to his community after a seven-year displacement caused by the conflict. He made the journey back without his wife and children. He shared his perspective on the state of public education and the dress code imposed by the Jnim:

« Our school was destroyed by armed terrorist groups during the village displacement in 2019. They demolished everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild the school immediately, we would not agree to it. 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, so we don’t know if the Islamic veil or something similar will be required for them. »

Field cultivation resumes

Allaye Guindo, the mayor of the urban commune of Bankass, confirmed that the signing of these agreements between village communities and the armed groups has spurred a significant return of displaced individuals. This is a key piece of breaking news for the continent.

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

The terms of these local agreements explicitly state that customary authorities and local dignitaries must conform to the rules established by the armed terrorist groups. The application of Islamic law, Sharia, forms the bedrock of their collaboration with the villagers, shaping the future of these communities in Mali.