After two attacks in less than a year that left nearly 200 people dead, the village of Ogossagou has become the symbol of the inter-community violence affecting central Mali. In February 2020, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) withdrew from the village. Tensions between the Fulani and Dogon communities are still present. Survivors live in fear.
Since December 2018, Search has been tackling this insecurity and fear by promoting living together between the two communities. Our 18-months project, “Mon voisin, mon frère” (My neighbor, my brother), funded by the United Nations Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), focuses on restoring trust and collaboration in Ogossagou.
Even before the reconciliation process begins, it is necessary to heal the trauma suffered. Therefore, we offer collective psychosocial support sessions to survivors and organize days of listening and forgiveness for both communities to share their testimonies and feelings about the attacks and insecurity.
To lay the foundations for reconciliation, our team trains community leaders and other key actors in conflict transformation. Under these new leaders’ guidance, we organize dialogue sessions and public meetings to bring together the Fulani and Dogon communities.
Through these activities, villagers can safely discuss the factors underlying mistrust and develop collaborative actions to restore their relationships. These actions include solidarity events composed of fun activities such as sports, music, and culture and the development of a joint economic and social initiative.
We are also taking advantage of our partnerships with local radio stations to broadcast programs to raise awareness about living together and prevent hate speech and stigmatization. To respond to the current context, our programs also include prevention messages around COVID19.
Finally, our activities will conclude with the signing of an agreement of understanding and reconciliation between the Fulani and Dogon communities of Ogossagou, thus sealing the populations’ efforts.
