11 Jul 2018 | 01:06 AM UTC
Mali: Security forces target militia in Mopti region
Malian soldiers deploy to central Mopti region to disarm Dogon militia; militia leaders vow to prevent voting in July 29 presidential election
Event
Tensions remain high in central Mali between the Fulani and Dogon communities. Malian security officials announced on Monday, July 9, that soldiers were deployed to Mopti region in recent days due to insecurity in the cercle de Bankass. According to leaders of the Dana Amassagou, a Dogon militia, soldiers attempted to disarm them on July 7 but when they refused they burned around 300 of their motorbikes. Following the incident, Dana Amassagou announced that they would attempt to prevent the upcoming July 29 general elections from taking place in Dogon communities. Clashes between conflicting ethnic communities and security forces are possible in the coming weeks.
Context
Intermittent clashes have erupted in central Mali since the beginning of 2016 between the Fulani and Dogon communities. The conflict between these two ethnic groups is partially over land use, as the Fulani are largely herders and the Dogon are largely farmers. However, in recent months, Fulani groups have accused Dogon militias of illegally targeting Fulani civilians under the guise of anti-terror operations.
The first round of presidential elections is scheduled for July 29. If necessary, a second round of elections will be held on August 12. These elections have been repeatedly postponed since 2013, due largely to security concerns posed by armed extremist groups. Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of MINUSMA, one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world, and a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds.
Advice
The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.
