In a significant development for central Mali, thousands of displaced residents, primarily from the Dogon and Peul communities, are now making their way back to their home villages within the Bankass circle. This long-awaited return has been facilitated by a series of localized agreements forged between the village communities and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Jnim), an influential armed group with ties to Al-Qaeda.

While these villagers are reclaiming their homes and agricultural lands, their return comes with specific conditions mandated by the jihadist groups. These stipulations include the compulsory wearing of the veil for women and a strict prohibition on Western-style education within local schools.

Mandatory dress codes and educational restrictions

The conditions imposed by Jnim extend to various aspects of daily life, encompassing dress codes and prayer rituals. Men, for instance, are now required to wear short trousers, while the republican school system has been abolished, effectively banning Western education. For women, the Islamic veil is now a mandatory garment.

In exchange for adherence to these new rules, villagers are granted the freedom to resume their essential agricultural and pastoral activities. This is particularly crucial as the rainy season, which began in Mali during June, is now underway, enabling them to cultivate their fields once more.

Returning home, adapting to new norms

An educator from Bare Darsalam village, located in the Bankass circle, chose to remain anonymous while sharing his experience. He has returned to his ancestral home after a seven-year displacement caused by the ongoing conflict in Mali.

He recounts returning without his wife and children, reflecting on the fate of public education and the new dress codes imposed by Jnim:

« Our school was completely ravaged by armed terrorist groups when our village was displaced in 2019. They destroyed everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild it immediately, we would not 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, so we are still determining the requirements for the Islamic veil or similar mandates. »

Agricultural life restarts safely

Allaye Guindo, the Mayor of Bankass urban commune, confirmed that the signing of these local agreements between village communities and the armed groups has indeed led to a significant influx of displaced individuals returning home.

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

The terms of these local agreements explicitly state that customary authorities and community leaders must align with the regulations set by the armed terrorist groups. The enforcement of Islamic law, Sharia, forms the foundational pillar of this newly established collaboration between the villagers and the armed factions.