Dozo traditional hunters and Peulh community strike peace deal

Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Dozo traditional hunters and the Fulani community sealed on Sunday in Niono, Segou region, central Mali, a cessation of hostilities agreement during a ceremony presided over by the Malian Minister of National Reconciliation, Col.-Maj. Ismael Wagué, the Malian News Agency (AMAP) reported Tuesday.

Thanks to the initiative of the Local Youth Council of Niono, with the involvement of a marabout, Dozo traditional hunters and the Fulani community have decided to lay down arms for good and put an end to the suffering of the people, according to their representatives, Amadou Niazon Coulibaly and Boubou Cissé.

The Minister of National Reconciliation, on behalf of the authorities, expressed joy and satisfaction for this initiative by the two communities.

Ismaël Wagué asked both parties "to fulfil their commitments for the happiness of the local populations".

The Niono circle, a zone of great agricultural production, is one of Mali's economic centres. Its geographical position has made it an insecure zone since a multidimensional crisis broke out in Mali in 2012.

This situation of insecurity is worrying because of the presence of armed bandits in the circle who commit targeted assassinations, kidnappings, cattle rustling and theft of crops which are also at the root of inter-community conflicts.

Efforts have been made to find a solution to these various problems. A meeting was held in November 2020 in Niono, which was attended by four ministers.

However, the Fulani community and the traditional Dozo hunters had not managed to make peace.

The High Islamic Council of Mali (HCIM) also increased contacts with both parties, but without success.
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