Mali displaced dogon families return home after local agreements
Hundreds of internally displaced families from the Dogon community in Mali’s Bankass district are making their way back to their villages, following newly established local agreements with armed groups operating in the region. The move marks a significant shift in the lives of these communities, who had been forced to flee their homes due to years of insecurity.
The return of these families is possible after negotiations between village leaders and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, resulted in a set of mutual understandings. These agreements grant displaced individuals the opportunity to reclaim their homes and farmlands, while outlining specific obligations they must adhere to under the groups’ interpretation of Islamic law.
Strict conditions under local agreements
Under the terms of these local accords, returnees are subject to strict rules imposed by the armed factions. Women are required to wear headscarves, while men must adhere to conservative dress codes, including wearing shorts that fall below the knee. Additionally, the agreements mandate the closure of public schools, effectively banning Western-style education in the area.
Despite these concessions, the return of displaced families coincides with the start of the rainy season in Mali, offering a critical window for agricultural activities. This timing has provided some measure of reassurance to returnees, who see an opportunity to rebuild their livelihoods through farming and livestock rearing.
voices from the ground: uncertainty and cautious optimism
An educator from Bare Darsalam, a village within the Bankass circle, chose to remain anonymous out of concern for his safety. He shared his perspective on the challenges and uncertainties facing returnees:
« Our school was destroyed during the conflict in 2019, leaving us with no place for our children’s education. Even if we were asked to rebuild it immediately, we wouldn’t agree. We’ve only returned because of guarantees provided by the Bankass mayor. As for the clothing rules, we haven’t started wearing shorts yet. We also haven’t brought back our wives, so we’re still unsure about the headscarf requirement. »
The educator’s remarks reflect the mixed emotions of those returning—relief at being able to resume farming, but concern over the long-term implications of the imposed conditions.
Local leadership highlights progress amid challenges
Allaye Guindo, the mayor of the Bankass urban commune, emphasized the positive impact of the agreements on displaced populations. He noted that the return of families has been particularly strong in 13 villages, with the majority located within the Bankass commune itself.
« The agreements have enabled people to return to their abandoned villages. Right now, it’s raining, and many returnees have already begun cultivating their fields in safety. Everyone is happy with the progress. »
However, the mayor also acknowledged that the agreements require village leaders and local notables to adapt to the armed groups’ enforcement of Sharia law as part of their collaboration with the communities.
As Mali navigates this delicate phase of reconstruction and reconciliation, the plight of displaced families remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
