In Mali, the Niono Forum ended this weekend after three days of discussion between authorities, notables and representatives of society and religious. This meeting began on November 5 in the presence of four ministers to try to find a solution to the murderous conflict between communities opposing the Fulani community against the traditional dozo hunters in this circle of the Ségou region.
“Disarm all illegal arms holders”, “Ensure the protection of people and their property” and “Increase the number of consultation frameworks between communities” in the circle in Niono: the main commitments shown in the summary of the meeting, which RFI could consult, satisfied most participants .
“We felt a change,” says one participant pleased. Ministers want to get out of the militia’s logic. “For him, the biggest success is for this forum consists of the state’s commitment to “disarm all illegal gun owners”, that is, the traditional dozo hunters, accused by the Fulani community of arbitrarily attacking them. As for the jihadist fighters, “they were already worried because the state is fighting them,” a local elected representative translated.
The state also undertakes to “ensure the protection of individuals and their property” and to “increase the number of frameworks for consultation between communities”. In addition to 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 end hostilities
Led by a marina from Macina known for its success in dialogue between communities and the High Islamic Council, Dozo hunters and the Fulani community have vowed to end hostilities. The jihadists active in the area were not represented “but there were people transmitting the messages”, some people present assure.
“It is very positive,” say several participants. Some express great confidence. Others are waiting to see what will happen on the ground in the coming days. Overall satisfaction is therefore expressed, even if doubts remain. “Does the state have the funds to implement these commitments?” Asks an elected representative of the circuit, who is waiting to see how things will develop.
At the end of the forum, the government’s commitment was evaluated. “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 have never talked about it.” This mayor of a municipality in the district does not hide that he is leaving Niono with his worries.
► To read as well: Mali: Niono’s forum for reconciliation between communities has started
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