Since the entry of the Malian army into Farabougou, this locality in central Mali under a jihadist blockade, an insecure calm has prevailed. But this Friday morning, this tacit pact of non-aggression between the military and the jihadists was broken.
About twenty villagers, perhaps 24 according to several elected officials from the area, were kidnapped while harvesting, in fields in the municipality of Dogofry, near Farabougou. Some sources also mention burnt crops, but according to a locally elected official, it would actually be straw fires whose origin is still to be determined.
In any case, that’s the end of it insecure calm that had established itself after’the arrival of the Malian army in Farabougou at the end of last week. Mediation initiated by local notables continued until a recent blockade.
Fear of a new cycle of violence
Earlier in the week, jihadists said they were ready to liberate the area provided the traditional dozo hunters in Farabougou lay down their arms. Categorical rejection from hunters. In the words of a mediator, the jihadists then withdrew the “effort” and demanded the recapture of dozo weapons.
“We can not arm the jihadists ourselves!”, This mediator emphasizes if the optimism shown in recent days Today, there is room for fear: that of a new cycle of violence.
Demand from RFI, the Malian army, which was present in Farabougou for more than a week and which encouraged the discussions, while promising new anti-terrorist acts, did not provide details.
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