Tagged:

Reversing Central Mali's Descent into Communal Violence

Violence in the areas to the south and east of Mopti is taking on an increasingly ethnic dimension. The transitional authorities should harmonise dialogue initiatives and strengthen state presence, while seeking to resolve substantial issues such as land disputes. As violence takes on a communal character, civilians, men and women of all ages, are more frequently targeted based on their ethnicity alone. The presence of the state is dangerously waning, with jihadists and armed self-defence groups controlling more and more territory. To make the dialogue and security measures more effective, Mali authorities should harmonise them and sequence them better. They should also consider using additional tools, as part of a three-phase response, according to the International Crisis Group.

InFocus

Harandane Dicko/MINUSMA

A UN peacekeeper in the village of Diallo in the Bandiagara area in Mopti in Mali.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.