Commitments for the prevention of conflicts between farmers and breeders of Tominian in the Segou region of Mali

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Country/entity: Mali
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Commitments for the prevention of conflicts between farmers and breeders of Tominian in the Segou region of Mali
Date: 19 Dec 2019
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/local conflict
Mali: Dogon-Fulani and other local conflicts (2015 -)
An initially intercommunal conflict between Dogon and Fulani (known in Mali as Peulh) communities in the Mopti region in central Mali, which has strong regional and national dimensions as well. The conflict emerged in 2015 from disputes over access to natural resources and land management between traditionally sedentary agriculturalists, the Dogon community, and semi-nomadic pastoralists and traders, the Fulani community. Given the state’s failure in providing security, various communities, including the Dozo community, grouped into militias, with the umbrella group Dan Na Ambassagou (DNA) comprising Dogon local defence militias. The intercommunal violence that ensued quickly became a regional emergency crisis, as extremist groups emerging from the northern regions to gain a foothold in the region benefited from this security vacuum by reinforcing the conflict through recruiting local population. In turn, the threat of extremist attacks fed back into the establishment of local defence militias. The emergence of Malian extremists in the Mopti region has triggered the internationalization of the conflict witnessing the intervention of international security forces, main missions being a Joint Force by the G5 Sahel, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and the French Operation Serval (SOV). Given Mali’s colonial historical relationship with France, these interventions have de facto further added to the complexities of this conflict’s drivers. Reconciliation efforts on both local and state level culminated in a ceasefire agreement in 2018. However, in the run up to the July 2018 elections the region saw an upsurge in violent clashes with civilians by communal militias, with increasing violent activities by Dozo militias. In 2019 there was a sharp increase of violent attacks by militias, militaries and extremists, with violence against civilians being most common.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Inter-group
Peace process: Mali Local Processes
Parties: Signatory parties:

The mayor of Tominian - Boba Abeneko DACKOUO

The mayor of Yasso - Cleophas KONE

For the breeders of Tominian - Mamadou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Tominian - Gnansian DIARRA

For the breeders of Yasso - Egoudou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Yasso - Arebe Sangaré (village chief of Kibi)

For the mayor of Mandiakuy - Moise DEMBELE

The mayor of Sanekuy - Mazankuy DEMBELE

For the breeders of Mandiakuy - Sayé SIDIBE

For the farmers of Mandiakuy - Samou Hervé DACKOUO

For the breeders of Sanekuy - Mamadou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Sanekuy - Babab Enok TRAORE

The mayor of Benena - Ignace KONE

The mayor of Mafouné - Niankan DABOU

For the breeders of Benena - Ousmane SIDIBE

For the farmers of Benena - Moise Koné (village chief of Bachirikuy)

For the breeders of Mafouné - Hansan SIDIBE

For the farmers of Mafouné - Issa DIONI

The mayor of Timissa - Sidiki ARAMA

The mayor of Fangasso - Batri DENA

For the breeders of Timissa - Boukary DIAKITE

For the farmers of Timissa - Toulema Moussa (village chief of Tondaga)

For the breeders of Fangasso - Yaya SIDIBE

For the farmers of Fangasso - Baba D. KAMATE

For the mayor of Ouan - Tieré Elie KONE

The mayor of Diora - Abdoulaye DAOU

For the breeders of Ouan - Aly DIALLO (Doungel)

For the farmers of Ouan - Tomy KAMATE

For the breeders of Diora - Chyta SIDIBE

For the farmers of Diora - Philipe DAKOUO

The mayor of Koula - Remy COULIBALY

The mayor of Lanfiala - Baba KAMATE

For the breeders of Koula - Amadou SAGARÉ

For the farmers of Koula - Jacques Coulibaly

For the breeders of Lanfiala - Amadou BARRY

For the farmers of Lanfiala - Djoumbé GUNDO

The prefect of the Tominian circle - Zoumana Norbert DEMBELE
Third parties: Not signed, but mentioned on Page 2, untitled preamble:
[...] mediation undertaken by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) on the mandate of the Government of Mali, [...]
Description: This is an agreement between the representatives of local farming and pastoralist communities, joined by local government and religious leaders. All sides agreed to concerted management of local resources and continuation of dialogue, as well as prevention of retaliation. Farmers and pastoralists committed to a series of actions that facilitate their coexistence, while the government representatives committed to the restoration of the state's authority and combatting the proliferation of weapons.

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Agreement document (original language): ML_181219_Commitments for the prevention of conflicts between farmers and breeders of Tominian in the Segou region of Mali.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: Page 2-3:
In addition, we, farmers' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the transhumance routes;
Better protecting crops during the passage of animals;

In addition, we, breeders' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the fields and using existing routes and grazing areas;
Not allowing grazing at night;
Respecting the transhumance schedules and inform the farmers of the beginning and end of transhumance journeys through the village chiefs;
Taking the necessary measures to properly supervise the animals when traveling;
Fairly compensating injured farmers
Declaring to the authorities all firearms at our disposal;
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: Page 2:

Article 2: specific commitments of the parties

In order to prevent the occurrence of conflicts, the Parties commit to:

Favoring dialogue and mediation in the event of disputes between them;
Breaking the cycle of retaliation when a field is damaged or a pastoral area is used for other purposes;
Working to reconcile customary law relating to land and laws on pastoralism and land ownership, ensuring their application;

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 3:
Article 3: commitments of the authorities
[...]
• Work to secure rural land (agricultural land, transhumance routes, grazing areas, etc.) of Tominian for the benefit of farmers and breeders, so as to achieve agro-pastoral development;
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: Page 2:
Article 1: general commitments of the parties
The Parties hereby commit to preventing the occurrence of a conflict between them through
concerted management of natural resources, and to work towards social cohesion.

Page 3:
Article 3: commitments of the authorities
• Work to secure rural land (agricultural land, transhumance routes, grazing areas, etc.) of Tominian for the benefit of farmers and breeders, so as to achieve agro-pastoral development;
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: Page 2-3:
Article 1: general commitments of the parties

The Parties hereby commit to preventing the occurrence of a conflict between them through concerted management of natural resources, and to work towards social cohesion.

Article 2: specific commitments of the parties

In order to prevent the occurrence of conflicts, the Parties commit to:

Favoring dialogue and mediation in the event of disputes between them;
Breaking the cycle of retaliation when a field is damaged or a pastoral area is used for other purposes;
Working to reconcile customary law relating to land and laws on pastoralism and land ownership, ensuring their application;
Supporting all conflict prevention initiatives, provided that these are inclusive and respectful to the traditional values of the communities;
Registering and announcing the new breeders arriving in the circle to facilitate their arrival and to prevent tensions

In addition, we, farmers' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the transhumance routes;
Better protecting crops during the passage of animals;

In addition, we, breeders' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the fields and using existing routes and grazing areas;
Not allowing grazing at night;
Respecting the transhumance schedules and inform the farmers of the beginning and end of transhumance journeys through the village chiefs;
Taking the necessary measures to properly supervise the animals when traveling;
Fairly compensating injured farmers
Declaring to the authorities all firearms at our disposal;

Page 3:
Article 3: commitments of the authorities
• Work to secure rural land (agricultural land, transhumance routes, grazing areas, etc.) of Tominian for the benefit of farmers and breeders, so as to achieve agro-pastoral development;
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 3:
In addition, we, breeders' representatives, commit to:
[...]
Declaring to the authorities all firearms at our disposal;
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: Transitional justice→Reparations→Material reparations
Page 3:
In addition, we, breeders' representatives, commit to:
[...]
Fairly compensating injured farmers
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Available with the HD Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue website, at https://www.hdcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Engagements-de-Tominian.pdf (accessed on 19/6/2020).

Commitments for the prevention of conflicts between farmers and breeders in the Tominian circle of the Ségou region

December 2018

Preamble

We, representatives of the farmers and breeders of the 12 communes of the Tominian circle of the Ségou region, in central Mali, hereinafter referred to as the Parties;

Aware that the sharing of natural resources, through water points, roads, and pasture areas, has always been a source of tension between our Bwa (bobo), Dafing, Dogon and Peulh communities;

Aware that these tensions are likely to be exacerbated by the circulation of weapons and the repercussions of intercommunal conflicts, which destabilize the circles of Bankass, Djenne, and Macina, where the Peulh breeder traditionally reside, and who now flee the abuses of which they are victims;

Aware that a conflict would lead to an escalation of violence in the current context of instability in central Mali;

Aware of the existence of a deep circle of trust between breeders and farmers, against a background of growth in the human and animal population which increases the risk of conflicts over access to natural resources;

Aware of the urgency of unified action towards social cohesion before the next rainy season;

Met on December 18 and 19, 2018 in Tominian as part of the mediation undertaken by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) on the mandate of the Government of Mali, and we commit to implementing the following commitments:

Article 1:

general commitments of the parties

The Parties hereby commit to preventing the occurrence of a conflict between them through concerted management of natural resources, and to work towards social cohesion.

Article 2:

specific commitments of the parties

In order to prevent the occurrence of conflicts, the Parties commit to:

Favoring dialogue and mediation in the event of disputes between them;

Breaking the cycle of retaliation when a field is damaged or a pastoral area is used for other purposes;

Working to reconcile customary law relating to land and laws on pastoralism and land ownership, ensuring their application;

Supporting all conflict prevention initiatives, provided that these are inclusive and respectful to the traditional values of the communities;

Registering and announcing the new breeders arriving in the circle to facilitate their arrival and to prevent tensions

In addition, we, farmers' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the transhumance routes;

Better protecting crops during the passage of animals;

In addition, we, breeders' representatives, commit to:

Respecting the fields and using existing routes and grazing areas;

Not allowing grazing at night;

Respecting the transhumance schedules and inform the farmers of the beginning and end of transhumance journeys through the village chiefs;

Taking the necessary measures to properly supervise the animals when traveling;

Fairly compensating injured farmers

Declaring to the authorities all firearms at our disposal;

Article 3:

commitments of the authorities

Take the necessary measures to combat the proliferation of weapons;

Be proactive in restoring the authority of the State;

Work to secure rural land (agricultural land, transhumance routes, grazing areas, etc.)

of Tominian for the benefit of farmers and breeders, so as to achieve agro-pastoral development;

Facilitate once a year a meeting between farmers and breeders of the Tominian circle in aid of conflict prevention;

Make every effort to guarantee the impartiality of justice;

Support the implementation of these commitments

Article 4:

commitments of religious parties

Religious parties commit to becoming more involved in preventing and resolving tensions.

Article 5:

monitoring of commitments

The Parties commit to considering the creation of a monitoring committee composed of 18 members to ensure compliance with these commitments and to serve as a mediator in the event of any violations.

Done at Tominian, December 19, 2018

Signatory parties:

The mayor of Tominian - Boba Abeneko DACKOUO

The mayor of Yasso - Cleophas KONE

For the breeders of Tominian - Mamadou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Tominian - Gnansian DIARRA

For the breeders of Yasso - Egoudou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Yasso - Arebe Sangaré (village chief of Kibi)

For the mayor of Mandiakuy - Moise DEMBELE

The mayor of Sanekuy - Mazankuy DEMBELE

For the breeders of Mandiakuy - Sayé SIDIBE

For the farmers of Mandiakuy - Samou Hervé DACKOUO

For the breeders of Sanekuy - Mamadou SIDIBE

For the farmers of Sanekuy - Babab Enok TRAORE

The mayor of Benena - Ignace KONE

The mayor of Mafouné - Niankan DABOU

For the breeders of Benena - Ousmane SIDIBE

For the farmers of Benena - Moise Koné (village chief of Bachirikuy)

For the breeders of Mafouné - Hansan SIDIBE

For the farmers of Mafouné - Issa DIONI

The mayor of Timissa - Sidiki ARAMA

The mayor of Fangasso - Batri DENA

For the breeders of Timissa - Boukary DIAKITE

For the farmers of Timissa - Toulema Moussa (village chief of Tondaga)

For the breeders of Fangasso - Yaya SIDIBE

For the farmers of Fangasso - Baba D. KAMATE

For the mayor of Ouan - Tieré Elie KONE

The mayor of Diora - Abdoulaye DAOU

For the breeders of Ouan - Aly DIALLO (Doungel)

For the farmers of Ouan - Tomy KAMATE

For the breeders of Diora - Chyta SIDIBE

For the farmers of Diora - Philipe DAKOUO

The mayor of Koula - Remy COULIBALY

The mayor of Lanfiala - Baba KAMATE

For the breeders of Koula - Amadou SAGARÉ

For the farmers of Koula - Jacques Coulibaly

For the breeders of Lanfiala - Amadou BARRY

For the farmers of Lanfiala - Djoumbé GUNDO

The prefect of the Tominian circle - Zoumana Norbert DEMBELE