In Mali, thousands of displaced individuals have chosen to return to their villages in the Bankass circle, located in the central region. This return was made possible through local agreements reached between village communities and Jnim, the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, which is affiliated with Al Qaeda.

The villagers can now reclaim their homes and farmland, but under conditions set by jihadist groups, including mandatory veiling for women and a ban on Western-style education in schools.

Schools closed, veiling enforced

These terms affect dress codes and mandatory prayer rituals. Men must now wear short trousers, state-run schools have been shut down, Western education is banned, and women are required to wear the veil.

In exchange, the villagers—mostly Fulani and Dogon—are now allowed to engage in farming and herding activities, as the rainy season began in Mali in June.

‘We returned without our wives’

A teacher from the village of Bare Darsalam in the Bankass circle, who asked to remain anonymous, has returned to his home after seven years away due to the conflict.

He came back without his wife and children. He shared his thoughts on the public school system and the dress code enforced by Jnim:

‘Our school was destroyed by armed terrorist groups when the village was displaced in 2019. They broke everything. Even if we were asked to rebuild it immediately, we would not agree. We resumed our activities after receiving guarantees from the mayor of Bankass. We haven’t started wearing short trousers yet. Nor did we bring our wives back, to see if wearing the Islamic veil or something similar is required.’

Farming resumes

According to Allaye Guindo, mayor of the urban commune of Bankass, the signing of agreements between village communities and armed groups has facilitated a significant return of displaced people.

‘Thanks to the signed agreements, people are returning to all abandoned localities. The 13 villages receiving their residents include two villages from Kani Bozon, one village from the rural commune of Dimbal. All the rest are villages within the Bankass commune. It is now raining, and many returnees have started safely cultivating their fields. Everyone is satisfied.’

The terms of the local agreements state that customary authorities and community leaders must comply with the rules set by the armed terrorist groups. These groups make the application of Islamic law, Sharia, the foundation of their cooperation with the villagers.