斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-The-impact-of-armed-groups-on-the-populations-of-central-and-northern-Mali_38页_1018kb

Summary of The Impact of Armed Groups on the Populations of Central and Northern Mali

Core Content

This report, published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in October 2019, analyzes the impact of armed groups on the populations of central and northern Mali, focusing on the challenges and adaptations required for re-establishing peace. The study highlights the complex interplay between armed groups, local communities, and the Malian state, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approach that integrates security, development, and local governance.

Main Points

1. The Crisis and Armed Groups in Mali

• The 2012 crisis in Mali was triggered by an insurrection involving Salafist groups and pro-independence movements, particularly the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Ansar Dine.
• The Malian state has been unable to fully restore control and public administration, leading to the emergence of "ungoverned spaces" where populations have turned to alternative governance structures.
• The 2015 Algiers Peace Accord led to the formation of two major coalitions: the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and the Platform of Movements of 14 June 2014 of Algiers (Platform). In 2017, the Coordination of Entente Movements (CME) was added, consisting of dissident groups from the CMA and the Platform.

2. Armed Groups and Local Perceptions

• The presence of armed groups has influenced local governance structures, including customary law and religious norms, and has altered the perception of the state among populations.
• Local communities have developed various forms of interaction with armed groups, including negotiation and acceptance, based on their needs and the groups' ability to provide security, services, or political representation.
• The categorization of armed groups (e.g., "pro-government" vs. "pro-independence") is often artificial and fails to capture the nuanced ways in which these groups are perceived and interact with local populations.

3. The Role of Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM)

• JNIM, a jihadist group formed in 2017 from al-Qaeda-affiliated groups, has become a major actor in Mali due to its deep-rooted presence and ability to gain local support.
• Its strategies include forming alliances, offering services, and presenting a political and ideological narrative that resonates with certain communities.
• The group's legitimacy is not solely based on its terrorist activities but also on its role in the local political and economic landscape.

4. Security Responses and Their Limitations

• The international community, regional actors, and the Malian government have conducted extensive security operations since 2012, including French operations (Serval, Barkhane), UN missions (MINUSMA), and the G5 Sahel Joint Force.
• These operations have not been universally supported by the population, and some security forces have been accused of abuses.
• The long-term embedding of armed groups in local populations is not accidental but is driven by structural, cultural, and ideological factors.

5. Research Methodology and Findings

• The study is based on a literature review and field research conducted in three areas: Djenne and Ténenkou (Mopti region), and Timbuktu and surrounding areas.
• A total of 39 semi-structured interviews were conducted with various social and occupational groups, including women, youth, and community leaders.
• The research found that armed groups often compete with the state for legitimacy and influence, and their presence has led to significant social, economic, and political changes.

Key Information

• Armed Groups: JNIM, CMA, Platform, CME, MNLA, MAA, MDP, MSA, MUJAO, and others.
• Security Challenges: The persistence of armed groups despite security operations indicates the need for a more integrated and locally responsive approach.
• Local Governance: Customary law, religious norms, and community-based governance play a critical role in the region, often complementing or challenging state authority.
• Recommendations: Security strategies must be adapted to local realities, incorporating development, dialogue, and community engagement to ensure long-term stability.

Conclusion

The report concludes that a purely security-focused approach is insufficient to address the complex challenges posed by armed groups in Mali. It advocates for a mixed strategy that includes security, development, and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of understanding local perceptions and the social dynamics that underpin the presence of these groups. The findings suggest that successful peacebuilding must be rooted in the recognition of the diverse and evolving roles of armed groups within the communities they affect.

Figures and Data

• Figure 1.1: Map of Mali and its main regions.
• Figure 3.1: Authorities consulted by the populations in case of conflict.
• Figure 3.2: Perceptions of the most impartial system of justice.

Authors

• Aurelien Tobie and Boukary Sangaré

Acknowledgements

• The research was funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The authors thank the Department for Africa and the Middle East and the Unit for Policy Planning and Research for their support.

Abbreviations