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In Mali, the Transitional Authority and the International Criminal Court on Tuesday, March 30, organized a symbolic indemnity ceremony in the case of the Timbuktu mausoleums, following the ICC’s 2016 conviction of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, by Ansar Dine, who had ordered the destruction of the Timbuktu mausoleums. But thousands of victims are still waiting for justice, testifying to their experiences before the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, provided for in the 2015 peace agreement for all crimes committed in the northern Mali regions since 1960.
From our special correspondent in Timbuktu,
It is a small house as nothing distinguishes it from the others. But its walls have heard some very painful stories. Since January 2017, the tombouctienne branch has off Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission collected more than 4,200 personal and confidential deposits.
Mamadou Baba Traoré is the head of the Commission’s antenna in Timbuktu. “What gives hope is the search for the truth and part of the material, financial, sometimes moral compensation, sometimes a simple forgiveness. Some victims say they just want us to recognize what we did to them and apologize to them, ”explains Mamadou Baba Traoré.
He then paints a portrait of the many victims who came to testify. “Most of the victims are victims related to the events of 2012 (during the occupation of Ansar Dine and Aqmi, note), cases of kidnappings of people, looting of property, kidnappings. There are still people who to this day do not know what happened to their parents. “
► See also: ICC Fund in Bamako to compensate victims of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi
“We lost almost everything that was at home”
The witnesses come from the Timbuktu and Taoudeni regions; Travel arrangements were also organized, but the large territory to be covered, the travel costs and security restrictions prevented some from testifying. This Timbuktu resident agrees to speak into the microphone, but without naming her.
“Our house was affected during the occupation. We lost almost everything in our house. There was a detonation in the camps. Luckily we were not there. From the beginning of the occupation to the end, I did not leave Timbuktu, she says. Then she adds: “There are all kinds of victims together: rape victims, kidnapping … I came to testify. After that, we referred the other victims so that they could also testify in turn. “
► Also for listening: Female victims of rape in northern Mali
Psychological support for the victims
Alidji Sidi Haidara is a carrier. His testimony relates to recent criminal acts, which occurred after the period of jihadist occupation. “I have been robbed twice, coming from Goundam, because I provide gravel for construction companies. Twice we followed them and were kept up. And at the same time I had another raise; there I was in my vehicle with two other women. In the same episode, my vehicle was removed and we were left like that, says Alidji Sidi Haidara.
The Commission provides psychological support to victims who so wish. The collected testimonies can then be used by victims who in turn want to initiate legal proceedings or any future national or international repair initiative.
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