In a significant development for central Mali, thousands of displaced individuals, primarily from the Dogon and Peul communities, are now making their way back to their home villages within the Bankass circle. This return has been facilitated by a series of local agreements forged between the affected communities and the Jnim, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, an organization affiliated with Al Qaïda.

While these villagers can reclaim their homes and agricultural lands, their return comes with stringent conditions imposed by the jihadist groups. These include mandatory veiling for women and the outright prohibition of Western-style education in local schools.

schools closed, veil imposed by armed groups

The conditions dictating daily life are extensive, covering dress codes and prayer rituals. Men are now expected to wear short trousers, while republican schools have been shuttered, effectively banning any form of Western education. For women, the wearing of the veil has become compulsory.

In exchange for adherence to these rules, the villagers are permitted to resume their vital agricultural and pastoral activities. This timing is crucial, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season in Mali during June, which is essential for farming.

“we returned without our wives”

An educator from Bare Darsalam village, located in the Bankass circle, who prefers to remain anonymous, has returned after seven years of displacement due to the conflict. He shared his perspective on the imposed rules:

« Our school was decimated by armed terrorist groups when the village was displaced in 2019. They destroyed everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild the school immediately, we wouldn’t agree. We have restarted our activities following assurances from the mayor of Bankass. We haven’t yet begun wearing short trousers. We also haven’t returned with our wives, to determine whether they must wear the Islamic veil or similar attire. »

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 indeed led to a significant influx of displaced persons returning home.

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

The terms of these local agreements explicitly state that customary authorities and local notables must adhere to the regulations established by the armed terrorist groups. The enforcement of Islamic law, Sharia, forms the cornerstone of their collaboration with the villagers, shaping the future of these communities in central Mali.