Bamako, Mali
SIPRI and CONASCIPAL held a seminar to launched the report: Causes et manifestations des conflits au Mali: Une perspective de la socété civile.
The report gives the results of the field research conducted in the regions of Gao, Kidal, Tombouctou and the district of Bamako, focussing on local perceptions of existing conflicts in Mali, their causes and possible solutions. The report, which is a major comprehensive study, describes the conflicts in Mali from an ‘on-the-ground’ perspective, covering the conflicts’ causes and relations between and within communities. The report makes concrete, grassroots-based suggestions on pathways to a durable peace in Mali.
The report was presented by Dr Mariam Maiga, CONASCIPAL, Dr Gaudence Nyirabikali, SIPRI, and Mr Lamine Maiga, CONASCIPAL. It is the main result of SIPRI's Mali civil society and peaebuilding project. Its findings constitut significant inputs towards the elaboration of a strategic vision for civil society’s contributions to peace, security and development in Mali.
Other speakers at the seminar included Mr Attaher Ag Ikane, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Reconciliation and Development of the northern regions of Mali, who briefed participants on the progress with the peace process in Mali, and Dr Younoussa Touré, University of Bamako, who discussed the political conflict between the Malian state and the rebel groups. A presentation by Mr Idrissa Maiga, ONG GRAD, on the community conflicts in Mali, was conveyed by Mr Guoro Diallo of the same organization.
The seminar had around 50 participants from civil society, government, academia and international organizations. It was covered in the local media (in French), on the national television station ORTM and the private television channel AFRICABLE.