Panafrican News Agency

Mali to create national committee for transhumance

Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian government adopted on Thursday a draft decree establishing a National Committee for Transhumance and Conciliation Commission, in response to a recommendation from the heads of state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), PANA learned from an official source.

For the sake of the peaceful management of transhumance activities, the sub-regional organisation recommended to its member states the creation of a national body responsible for the management, monitoring and evaluation of transhumance and the creation of ''a conciliation commission to prevent and manage conflicts''.

Transhumance is the cyclical and seasonal movement of animals, under the care of shepherds, following specific routes with a view to exploiting pastoral resources of a given territory.

This way of life generates economic benefits for both the countries of origin and the host countries. It is also a source of conflicts, especially between pastoralists and farmers, sometimes causing material damage and loss of human life.

The draft decree creates the National Committee for Transhumance, with a view to harmonising national regulations with community requirements.

It also creates conciliation commissions at regional and local levels.

The National Committee for Transhumance, a framework for consultation and guidance, is responsible for supporting the Minister for Livestock in dealing with issues related to transhumance.

In particular, it is responsible for ensuring the management and monitoring and evaluation of transhumance, proposing all measures or actions likely to promote transhumance, and contributing to the maintenance of ecosystems.

It also aims to draw up the annual transhumance report, to propose strategies and programmes for the organisation of transhumance and related activities.

Conciliation commissions are responsible for managing conflicts arising from transhumance.

-0- PANA GT/JSG/KND/AR 29April2021