The conflict is a complex multi-sided one wherein the West, religious extremists, and Algeria have shared interests in the Malian government meaningfully decentralizing power to Tuareg-inhabited areas (each in pursuit of different ends), while Bamako and Moscow support a centralized state.
It seems one solution might be for Russia, and possibly China, to lead negotiations between Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, for Algeria to join the Sahel alliance (and possibly for all of them to also join BRICS) and in the process for all parties to work out a regional strategy to give the Tuareg more autonomy. A regional approach could combine mutual aid with some increased local autonomy for the Tuareg while creating a reciprocal relationship with the Tuareg through aid.
I enjoy reading your commentaries. I'm an African -American who has followed African events over my lifetime. Perhaps I can offer an angle of thought regarding the central government- Taureg controversy.
Beyond the perennial conflict between agricultural and pastoralist peoples, part of this more current conflict is related to chauvinistic rulers in Bamako attempting to assert more authority over the Tauregs than was historically the case. Many scholars believe that the French domination played the sides against each other. Taureg leaders complained to authorities that al-Queda was taking over their territories. Part of the reason there were military take overs with introduction of Wagner is because the black Africans believed that maybe France was behind al-Queda. In fact there is evidence that France is definitely supporting rebellion. I think the Sahel Conferation will have to stop the rebellions and attacks. Then once peace is restored recreate respectful non exploitative relations between the ethnic groups. Restore semi autonomy with the Tauregs and stop excessive taxation without benefits. I think the new Russian supported military leaders will do this. They will stop the rebellions and not treat Tauregs as second class.
My understanding of the history and politics of the respective cultures here is extremely rudimentary in comparison, but I have come to learn that the culture of the Tuareg people has a long and passionate pride as fierce warriors who will defend their right to their nomadic way of life. Probably since the downfall of Libya they have been exploited and harassed ( I would guess largely at the behest of the French). I know all this through the music of the Tuareg ensemble Tinariwen - these are proud warriors singing of their history and their tribulations and their performances are absolutely spellbinding- they have a global fan base- the music speaks that strongly. May the Tuareg be free once again!
It seems one solution might be for Russia, and possibly China, to lead negotiations between Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, for Algeria to join the Sahel alliance (and possibly for all of them to also join BRICS) and in the process for all parties to work out a regional strategy to give the Tuareg more autonomy. A regional approach could combine mutual aid with some increased local autonomy for the Tuareg while creating a reciprocal relationship with the Tuareg through aid.
Hi Andrew,
I enjoy reading your commentaries. I'm an African -American who has followed African events over my lifetime. Perhaps I can offer an angle of thought regarding the central government- Taureg controversy.
Beyond the perennial conflict between agricultural and pastoralist peoples, part of this more current conflict is related to chauvinistic rulers in Bamako attempting to assert more authority over the Tauregs than was historically the case. Many scholars believe that the French domination played the sides against each other. Taureg leaders complained to authorities that al-Queda was taking over their territories. Part of the reason there were military take overs with introduction of Wagner is because the black Africans believed that maybe France was behind al-Queda. In fact there is evidence that France is definitely supporting rebellion. I think the Sahel Conferation will have to stop the rebellions and attacks. Then once peace is restored recreate respectful non exploitative relations between the ethnic groups. Restore semi autonomy with the Tauregs and stop excessive taxation without benefits. I think the new Russian supported military leaders will do this. They will stop the rebellions and not treat Tauregs as second class.
My understanding of the history and politics of the respective cultures here is extremely rudimentary in comparison, but I have come to learn that the culture of the Tuareg people has a long and passionate pride as fierce warriors who will defend their right to their nomadic way of life. Probably since the downfall of Libya they have been exploited and harassed ( I would guess largely at the behest of the French). I know all this through the music of the Tuareg ensemble Tinariwen - these are proud warriors singing of their history and their tribulations and their performances are absolutely spellbinding- they have a global fan base- the music speaks that strongly. May the Tuareg be free once again!