Thread by @rmaghrebi

Thread - #Mali: case study on community-based armed groups in Central Mali is finally out. Special thanks to @blmcgann @bogibozsogi @reed_alastair @RachelICR @Emilykcol and all @resolvenet @USIP staff for the opportunity and their support. #Sahel resolvenet.org/research/centr…

#Mali: This report untangles the legitimacy of armed groups, mobilizing factors, and the multi-level impact
of violence implicating CBAGs. It further explores the relations amongst different actors, including the state, armed groups, and communities. #Sahel

#Mali: The proliferation of community-based armed groups in Mali’s Mopti and Ségou Regions has contributed to transforming Central Mali into a regional epicenter of conflict since 2016. Making such research vital to any peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts. #Sahel

#Mali: Certain vulnerable, conflict-affected communities resorted to embracing non-state armed groups as security umbrellas in the context of inter-communal violence. #Sahel

#Mali: local conflicts are the result of long-standing issues over increasing pressure on natural resources/management, climate shocks, competing economic lifestyles, nepotistic, & the shifting representations of a segregated, historically constructed sense of ethnic identities.

#Mali: #JNIM, through its local affiliate Katiba Macina, exploited already tense conflict dynamics and the grievances of marginalization for power & influence. Its compelling inclusive narrative & justice provision, JNIM is now firmly established in rural areas of Central Mali.

#Mali: Countering perceived security threats by Katiba Macina, government security forces, and rival groups, they further amplify ethnic tensions through rhetoric that vilifies the “other” based on belonging to an identity group. #Sahel

#Mali: Consequently, the vicious cycle of attacks has included violence against civilians as a form of retaliation by all armed parties to the protracted regional conflict. #Sahel

#Mali: It is reframing the political realities toward polarized identities, a militarization of local communities, & the normalization of violence as a political tool. These disturbing trends put Central Mali on a pathway toward an endless cycle of violence.
#Sahel

#Mali: Some humble recommendations: On many aspects of this conflict, further research is needed to explore current dynamics in detail and viable opportunities for a more tranquil future in Central Mali. #Sahel

#Mali: For any government-led strategy to improve community trust in political leadership to succeed, government leaders and the international community must consider and respond to allegations of abuse by any parties to the internal armed conflict. #Sahel

#Mali: The Malian government and international stakeholders must elevate the voice of local human rights and development organizations and investigate alleged crimes followed with well-publicized actions to fix a security model undone by conflict and distrust. #Sahel

#Mali: Security sector reform and disengagement, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR) are unlikely at this time, and any effort to integrate CBAG members into a larger, national security force or law enforcement organization is primed to fail.

#Mali: Any security approach must acknowledge that tensions amongst ethnically heterogenous communities will exist even if the jihadist threat is removed. DDR should not be a priority now for stabilization efforts, when ethnic tensions remain unaddressed. #Sahel

#Mali: CBAG members will likely hold a single-minded objective to protect their own community or ethnic group. Integrating too soon would serve to empower CBAGs—an obvious liability to national-level sustainable peace and justice. #Sahel

#Mali: Responses thus far have been slow and impeded by implementation challenges. Given the fluid, constantly evolving dynamics, programming related to conflict and violence prevention, economic development, and humanitarian assistance requires more flexibility and more speed.

#Mali: An increase in rapid assessments and analysis could improve the ability of implementers and program decision-makers to proactively respond to dynamic changes in the situation. #Sahel
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