Agreement between the Dogon, Dafing and Fulani communities in the communes of Diallassagou, Koulogon Habe, Lassagou Habe, Segue, Soubala, Sokoura and Tori

Country/entity
Mali
Region
Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name
Agreement between the Dogon, Dafing and Fulani communities in the communes of Diallassagou, Koulogon Habe, Lassagou Habe, Segue, Soubala, Sokoura and Tori
Date
7 Feb 2021
Agreement status
Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement
Yes
Agreement/conflict level
Intrastate/local conflict
Stage
Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature
Inter-group
Peace process
Mali Local Processes
Parties
Pour la communauté dogon
1- Dramane DAMANGO [signature] Chef de village de Diallassagou
2- Allaye GANA [signature] Chef de village de Lessagou
3- Christoph GUINDO [signature] Conseiller au chef de village de Ségue
4- Moussa TOGO [signature] Chef de village de Soubala
5- Elie DJIBO [signature] Conseiller au chef de village de Koulongon
6- Antimé YOSSI [signature] Représentant chef de village de Tori
7- Daouda TOGO [signature] Leader Jeunesse Diallassagou
8- Drissa GANA [signature] Chef de village Lessagou
9- Moumouni ARAMA [signature] Chef de village Koumé
10- Abdoulaye TOGO [signature] Leader communautaire Tori

Pour la communauté Dafing
1- Ousmane KOUMARE [signature] 1er adjoint au maire Sokoura
2- Mamadou BARRO [signature] Chef de village Bansé
3- Lassina KENDE [signature] Chef de village Tanga
4- Fodé SERY [signature] Chef de village Yira
5- Diakaridia ROME [signature] Chef de village Ganida
6- Yaya TRAORE [signature] Elu communal Sokoura
7- Seydou KOUAMARE [signature] Représentant RECOTRAD
8- Issouf SENOU [signature] Chef de village Sokoura
9- Adama BARRO [signature] Président de la jeunesse
10- Mamadou SERY [signature] Représentant des religieux

Pour la communauté peuhl
1- Amadou SANKARE [signature] Elu communal Lankanou
2- Mamoudou SANKARE [signature] Elu communal Boundou Eyourou
3- Bareïma SANKARE [signature] Leader communautaire Madina
4- Allaye SANKARE [signature] Leader communautaire Ouenkorowel
5- Aliou SANKARE [signature] Leader communautaire Ouro Boudou
6- Mody DIAGAYETE [signature] Elu communal Koumé Peul
7- Aliou DIAGAYETE [signature] Jeune leader Kourkanda Peuhl
8- Boukari DIAGAYETE [signature] Elu communal Ouandiana Peuhl
9- Allaye DIAGAYETE [signature] Jeune leader Sounfounou Peuhl
10- Housseini DIALLO [signature] Leader communaitaire Koulougon Peuhl
Third parties
1st witness
Boubacar YOSSI [signature] Chef de village Tori

2nd witness
Nouhoum SANKARE [signature] Imam Mana

3rd witness
Timothée SOMBORO [signature] [stamp] Chef de village Ségue

4th witness
Idrissa SANKARE [signature] Ex député de Bankass

[unsigned mediator: HD Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and Monobem association]
Description
Agreement signed between the representatives of the Fulani, Dafing and Dogon communities of 7 of the 12 municipalities in the circle of Bankass. The signatories commit to ensuring the physical integrity and free circulation of persons, goods, and livestock, while condemning the violence in the circle of Bankass, in Central Mali.

Local agreement properties

Process type
Formal structured process
Rationale
Page 2, Preamble Being keen to reinforce initial agreements between the above communities mediated by HD in June 2020, as well as agreements made during preparatory meetings between the communities mediated by HD on 23rd September in Bandiagara with the Dogon and Dafing communities, on 5th and 6th November 2020, with women, on 7th and 8th in Bankass, with the leaders of the Fulani communities from the 4 cercles on 10th October in Sevare, with the hunters of Bankass on 21st December in Bankass and with the Fulani communities of Bankass on December 23rd in Sevare;
Is there a documented link to a national peace process?
No
Link to national process: articulated rationale
The agreement makes a direct link between the local conflict between the Dogon, Dafing and Fulani communities on the one hand, and the high level of insecurity at the regional level. However, it makes no direct link to a national peace process.
Name of Locale
Diallassagou
Nature of Locale
City
GPS Lat/Long (DD)
13.741986, 3.626754
Participant type
Local state actor
International or transnational actor
Domestic religious organisation/leader or other elder
Local community/civilian group(s)/civil society organisations
Mediator, facilitator or similar
Mediator or similar referred to
Mediator (references)
[unsigned mediator: HD Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and Monobem association] Page 2, Preamble Having met in Tori and Diallassagou on the 5th and 7th February 2021 for a mediation, which has been facilitated since June 2020 by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue;
Type of mediator/facilitator/similar
International or transnational actor

Local issues

Ritual/prayer and process (including use of scripture)

No specific mention.

Grievance List
Page 3,
Section II: Causes and Consequences of Conflict
Article 2: The Parties agree that the intercommunity conflict facing their communes is a result of the following factors:
a) Repeated attacks and pillaging of villages and hamlets by armed individuals;
b) Targeted assassinations of influential and well-known figures;
c) Widespread theft of livestock by all parties;
d) Attacks and ambushes against fair workers;
e) Embargos on certain villages, water sources, weekend fairs and the sale of certain products (cereal, livestock and milk);
f) Closure of basic social services (schools, health centres, distribution warehouses, etc.);
g) Withdrawal of State agents, and defense and security services from all communes;
h) Feeling on all sides that the neighbouring community is working with armed groups
to attack the other communities;
i) Feeling that defense and security services are biased;
j) Lack of justice after incidents of abuse;
k) Frustration arising from poorly resolved or unresolved conflicts over access to shared natural resources.
Cattle rustling/banditry
Page 3,
Section II: Causes and Consequences of Conflict
Article 2: The Parties agree that the intercommunity conflict facing their communes is a result of the following factors:
a) Repeated attacks and pillaging of villages and hamlets by armed individuals;
[...]
c) Widespread theft of livestock by all parties;

Page 3,
Section II: Causes and Consequences of Conflict
Article 3: The Parties agree that the conflict facing their communes has, since 2018, resulted in:
c) Theft of more than 3000 livestock;

Page 4,
Section III: Agreements
Article 4: The Parties mutually agree to:
d) Encourage putting in place measures of mutual trust between the communities after signing this agreement (visiting, return of animals, denunciation of thefts, etc.);

Page 4,
Section III: Agreements
Article 4: The Parties mutually agree to:
i) Oppose livestock theft against any community and facilitate searches for stolen
animals and property so that they can be returned to their owner;
j) Not claiming animals or property stolen or lost during the conflict;
Social cover

No specific mention.

Peace Agreement between Dogon, Dafing & Fulani communities in Diallassagou, Koulogon Habé, Lessagou Habé, Ségue, Soubala, Sokoura and Tori communes

Bankass Cercle, Mali

February 2021

Preamble

We, the Dogon, Dafing and Fulani communities of the communes of Diallassagou, Koulogon Habe, Lessagou Habe, Segue, Soubala, Sokoura and Tori, in the Bankass Cercle, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”:

Being aware that the conflict in which we have been embroiled since 2018 is worsening the security crisis in central Mali;

In consideration of the results of previous reconciliation efforts led by our communities, the State, collectives, NGOs, and citizens’ groups in the Bankass Cercle;

and, further, in consideration of the signing of two peace agreements in the Cercle in 2019 (the Baye Agreement and the Ouenkoro Agreement) mediated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue through engagement with all the communities in order to facilitate free movement of people and their goods.

Being keen to reinforce initial agreements between the above communities mediated by HD in June 2020, as well as agreements made during preparatory meetings between the communities mediated by HD on 23rd September in Bandiagara with the Dogon and Dafing communities, on 5th and 6th November 2020, with women, on 7th and 8th in Bankass, with the leaders of the Fulani communities from the 4 cercles on 10th October in Sevare, with the hunters of Bankass on 21st December in Bankass and with the Fulani communities of Bankass on December 23rd in Sevare;

Bearing in mind that Dogon, Dafing and Fulani communities once lived peacefully in Bankass Cercle, in Diallassagou, Koulogon Habé, Lessagou Habé, Ségue, Soubala, Sokoura and Tori communes, despite the tensions which have always existed between our communities around management of our shared natural resources;

Being aware that these tensions are exacerbated by the high level of insecurity on the Dogon plateau, the Senno and the Gondo and that the current conflict has led to mass killings in 2018 and 2020 (Koulongon, Ogossagou I and II, Gouari), interrupted economic activity, and even restrictions on free movement of people and goods;

Being aware that the conflict involving members of our respective communities cannot be stopped immediately upon signature of the present Agreement, but will require a constant commitment to peacefully managing our differences;

Being committed to working towards peaceful cohabitation between our communities;

Having met in Tori and Diallassagou on the 5th and 7th February 2021 for a mediation, which has been facilitated since June 2020 by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue;

We hereby agree as follows:

Chapter I:

General

Article 1:

By the present Agreement, the Parties hereby declare peace between them and commit to taking all steps necessary to maintain it.

Section II:

Causes and Consequences of Conflict

Article 2:

The Parties agree that the intercommunity conflict facing their communes is a result of the following factors:

Repeated attacks and pillaging of villages and hamlets by armed individuals;

Targeted assassinations of influential and well-known figures;

Widespread theft of livestock by all parties;

Attacks and ambushes against fair workers;

Embargos on certain villages, water sources, weekend fairs and the sale of certain products (cereal, livestock and milk);

Closure of basic social services (schools, health centres, distribution warehouses, etc.);

Withdrawal of State agents, and defense and security services from all communes;

Feeling on all sides that the neighbouring community is working with armed groups to attack the other communities;

Feeling that defense and security services are biased;

Lack of justice after incidents of abuse;

Frustration arising from poorly resolved or unresolved conflicts over access to shared natural resources.

Article 3:

The Parties agree that the conflict facing their communes has, since 2018, resulted in:

Death of more than 400 people;

Displacement of more than 6000 people between 2018 and 2020;

Theft of more than 3000 livestock;

Embargos on the markets at Tori, Diallassagou, Koulongon, Sokoura and Dounde, etc.

Restricted access to farming land in the 7 communes;

Restricted movement between the communities in the communes, particularly between Fulani and Dogon villages.

Section III:

Agreements

Article 4:

The Parties mutually agree to:

Encourage community leaders to make a commitment to peace by forgiving past actions and spreading messages of togetherness and peace;

Prohibiting any provocation or sentiments which are vexatious to the other community;

Facilitate freedom of movement of people and goods throughout the communes;

Diallassagou Agreement between the Dogon, Dafing & Fulani communities, dated 7 February 2021, Cercle of Bankass

Encourage putting in place measures of mutual trust between the communities after signing this agreement (visiting, return of animals, denunciation of thefts, etc.);

Facilitate the return of displaced people;

Encourage and facilitate visiting villages and fairs by all communities;

Not carrying weapons in villages and towns;

Invite the supervisory committee to enter into dialogue with individuals whose actions contravene the spirit of the Agreement;

Oppose livestock theft against any community and facilitate searches for stolen animals and property so that they can be returned to their owner;

Not claiming animals or property stolen or lost during the conflict;

Facilitating free use of natural and land resources by all communities (fields, pastures, passages, rest stops, etc.);

Foster socioeconomic development of the communes by encouraging the gradual return of services (health, education, hydraulic) and circulation of NGOs;

Respect the laws and customs, and places of worship of other communities;

Respect the authority of traditional and religious authorities which used to keep social order and ease social tensions before the crisis.

Section IV:

Recommendations to the State

Article 5:

The Parties ask the State to support their efforts to make peace in the Cercle of Bankass, and to:

Encourage the restoration of destroyed villages;

Facilitate the return of displaced people, with the support of partners;

Enter into dialogue with all actors to liberate the Sevare-Bankass-Koro axis (RN 15);

Contribute humanitarian and economic assistance, and food to all communities which have suffered during the crisis to stimulate economic activity in the region;

Enter into dialogue with armed groups in order to agree on a negotiated outcome for young people who have laid down arms;

Build, repair and equip communities with basic social infrastructure (water sources, health centre, seeds, schools, etc.);

Pardon and free all persons detained as a result of the conflict in our communes;

Help reinforce the legitimacy of traditional and religious authority, to help achieve their peacekeeping and citizen oversight goals.

Section V:

Oversight of implementation

Diallassagou Agreement between the Dogon, Dafing & Fulani communities, dated 7 February 2021, Cercle of Bankass

Article 6:

The Parties agree to meet once every three months for the first year following signature of this Agreement in order to check in on performance of the Agreement and, if necessary, to renew and modify the agreements made herein.

Article 7:

An Oversight Committee is hereby put in place, whose mission is to:

Check in regularly with the Parties regarding progress of performing the commitments made in this Agreement, in order to reinforce the scope of the same;

Prevent and manage differences between the Parties which might lead to breach of this Agreement;

Identify any additional measures necessary for the intercommunity reconciliation process, as needed;

Check in regularly with state authorities regarding progress of implementing the commitments made in this Agreement, in order to reinforce the scope of the same;

Share experiences with neighbouring communes and encourage them to work towards peace.

Article 8:

The Oversight Committee will be comprised of 15 members appointed by consensus to represent all the Fulani, Dafing and Dogon communities.

5 representatives of the Fulani community, 5 representatives of the Dafing community, and 5 representatives of the Dogon community will be chosen by consensus.

Section VI:

Resolving differences

Article 9:

The Parties shall take every step to handle any differences which may arise between them amicably and in the spirit of cooperation and friendship which underlies this Peace Agreement.

Article 10:

In the event of non-applicability of this Agreement or in case of dispute regarding its interpretation, the parties shall call upon the Oversight Committee so that a consensual solution can be found and implemented.

Article 11:

If the solution found by the Oversight Committee should fail, the Parties shall jointly refer to traditional and religious dispute resolution methods.

Article 12:

In the event that application of this Agreement should fail, and all negotiation attempts to remedy it should fail, the Parties may revoke this Agreement.

Such revocation shall take effect on the date on which the various parties are notified of such revocation.

In that event, the Parties shall take all necessary measures to minimise the impact of such a decision on existing peacemaking efforts.

Section VII:

Final Provisions

Article 13:

The Parties hereby sign this Agreement in 5 French language copies and we shall make efforts to translate them into Fulfulde, Dogosso and Bamanakan for optimum comprehension.

Article 14:

This Agreement shall take effect on the date of signature by the Parties.

Done in Diallassagou, on 07.02.2021

Signatories to the Agreement

(Signatures)

Pour la communauté dogon

1-Dramane DAMANGO

Chef de vilage de Diallassagou

2- Allaye GANA

Chef de village de Lessagou

3- Christoph GUINDO

Conseiller au chef de village de

ségue

4- Moussa TOGO

Chef de village de Soubala

5- Elie DJIBO

Représentant chef de village Koulongon

6- Antimé YOSSI

Conseiller au chef de village de

de Tori

7- Daouda TOGO

Leader Jeunesse Diallassagou

8- Drissa GANA

Chef de village Lessagou

9- Moumouni ARAMA

Chef de village Koumé

10- Abdoulaye TOGO

Leader communautaire Tori

Pour la communauté Dafing

1- Ousmane KOUMARE

1er adjoint au maire Sokoura

2- Mamadou BARRO

Chef de village Bansé

3- Lassina KENDE

Chef de village Tanga

4- Fodé SERY

Chef de village Yira

5- Diakaridia ROME

Chef de village Ganida

6- Yaya TRAORE

Elu communal Sokoura

7- Seydou KOUMARE

Représentant RECOTRAD

8- Issouf SENOU

Chef de village Sokoura

9- Adama BARRO

Président de la jeunesse

10- Mamadou SERY

Représentant des religieux

Pour la communauté peulh

1- Amadou SANKARE

Elu communal Mankanou

2- Mamoudou SANKARE

Elu communal Boundou

Eyourou

3- Bareima SANKARE

Leader communautaire

Madina

4- Allaye SANKARE

Leader communautaire

Ouenkorowel

5- Aliou SANKARE

Leader communautaire Ouro

Boubou

6- Mody DIAGAYETE

Elu communal Koumé Peul

7- Aliou DIAGAYETE

Jeune leader Kourkanda Peulh

8- Boukari DIAGAYETE

Elu communal Ouandiana Peulh

9- Allaye DIAGAYETE

Jeune leader Sounfounou Peulh

10- Housseini DIALLO

Leader communautaire Koulongon Peulh

Boubacar YOSSI

Chef de village Tori

Nouhoum SANKARE

Imam Mana

Timothée SOMBORO

chef de yillage Ségue

Idrissa SANKARE

Ex député de Bankass