Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and Reconciliation

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was

prepared by Creative Associates International for the Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation

project, contract number 720-688-18-C-00002.

USAID Point of Contact: Andrew Greer, COR, [email protected]

Prime Partner: Creative Associates International

Activity Name: Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and Reconciliation

Contract #: 720-688-18-C-00002

Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and

Reconciliation

Quarterly Report – FY2020

April - June 2020

Implementation Period:

April 16, 2018 - April 30, 2023

FY 2020 Quarterly Report

April 1, 2020- June 30, 2020

MALI PEACEBUILDING, STABILIZATION, & RECONCILIATION QUARTERLY REPORT III FY2020

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CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 4

II. CONTEXT.................................................................................................................................. 5

IV. OBJECTIVE 1: RESILIENCE TO VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT REINFORCED ............. 10

V. OBJECTIVE 2: INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

STRENGTHENED IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ........................................... 17

VI. OBJECTIVE 3: EMPOWERING YOUTH AND BUILDING THEIR RESILIENCE TO

VIOLENT EXTREMISM ............................................................................................................... 19

VII. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ................................................................................. 25

VIII. GRANTS ............................................................................................................................... 27

IX. OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 28

XI. COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIP ............................................................................ 29

XI. LESSONS LEARNED ............................................................................................................. 30

XII. SUCCESS STORIES ............................................................................................................. 31

XIII. KEY ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER..................................................... 31


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ACRONYMS

ADR Agences de Developpement Regional (Regional Development Agencies)

AMSS Association Malienne de la Survie au Sahel (Malian Association for Survival in the Sahel) AQIM Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)

CAF Conflict Analysis Framework

CAFO Coordination des Associations et ONGs Féminines (Coordination of Women's

Associations and NGOs)

CBO Community-Based Organization

CC Community Coordinator

CEC Community Engagement Committee

CEP Civic Engagement Program

CMA Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad (Coordination of Azawad Movements)

CMC Conflict Management Committee

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019

CSO Civil Society Organization

DDR Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

DQA Data Quality Assessments

ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States

EWER Early Warning and Early Response

EWRS Early Warning and Response System

FAMA Forces Armées Maliennes (Malian Armed Forces)

FRAMe® Fragility and Resilience Assessment Methodology

FFP Fund for Peace

FOSC Forum of Civil Society Organizations

GOM Government of Mali

IDP Internally Displaced Person

M5-RFP Mouvement du 5 juin – Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

PMP Performance Management Plan

Mali PSR Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation Program

PDESC Plan de Développement Économique, Social et Culturel (Economic, Social and Cultural

Development Plan) P2P People-to-People

P/CVE Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism

RECOTRAD Réseau des Communicateurs Traditionnels pour le Développement (Network of

Traditional Communicators for Development)

REWARD Reacting to Early Warning and Response Data in West Africa Program

SMC School Management Committee

SNGP Sub-National Governance Project

US United States

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USG US Government

V4P Voices for Peace


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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation (Mali PSR) (herein referred to as the program),

is a USAID five-year $20 million contract with a $5 million Crisis Modifier that was activated on

June 2, 2020 to address the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and its impact in

Mali. The program is implemented by Creative Associates International along with local partners

Association Malienne pour la Survie au Sahel (AMSS), facilitating implementation in northern Mali,

and Think Peace, facilitating implementation in the center of Mali. The purpose of this program is

to improve prospects for long-term peace, security, and reconciliation by building trust between

conflict-affected communities and their governments, strengthening the ability of communities to

mitigate and manage conflict, prioritize and implement community-led action around their most

pressing development needs, and training and empowering marginalized youth as change agents.

Program activities are being implemented in 46 conflict affected communes in the center and

northern Mali covering seven (7) regions, Ségou, Mopti, Tombouctou, Gao, Kidal, Menaka and

Taoudenit with linkages to regional and national policies intended to promote peace,

reconciliation and development. The goal of Mali PSR is to see measurable improvement in the

efficiency, effectiveness and capacities of local communities to be more resilient to conflict and

violent extremism. Fostering stability in target regions is not only a desired end unto itself, but a

necessary pre-condition for the full and complete implementation of the peace agreement and

the regional development plans- which, in turn, will create the conditions for more lasting, durable

peace. Mali PSR activities are integrated by three objectives which support this broader program

goal.

During the reporting period, Mali PSR submitted two proposals: 1) a rapid response proposal

aimed at pivoting existing activities to spread the word and provide accurate messages about

COVID-19 to help mitigate the spread of the novel Coronavirus and, 2) a Crisis Modifier to

address the first and second order effects of COVID-19. In June 2020, with the approval of the

Crisis Modifier, Mali PSR expanded programming to address the impact of COVID-19 and the

associated second order effects in the 46 intervention communes, Bamako, and the regions of

Kayes, Koulikoro, and Sikasso in the south of the country. A new international strategic

communications partner, Moonshot CVE, joined the consortium to identify and track inaccurate

and divisive information being spread about COVID-19. Moonshot will help to redirect social media users to accurate information; and will train youth to carry this initiative forward.

With the expanded programming, Mali PSR sought to balance the implementation of planned

activities with enhanced flexibility to respond to unfolding political/security events and the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Key achievements realized under the year 2 work plan during the quarter included: 1) the

continuation of conflict prevention, mediation training for 143 participants, including 27 women

and 23 youth in five (5) communes; 2) forums on reintegration and reconciliation in ten (10)

communes which brought together over 338 youth leaders, community representatives and

government officials; 3) capacity building for 50 participants to promote the rights of youth and

expand their agency; and 4) teachers trained in P/CVE participated in facilitated discussions to

share their experience in addressing violent extremism in five (5) communes for 97 people,

including 28 women and 15 youth from the School Management Committee (SMC), parents’

association, elected officials, teachers, students, and representatives of women’s associations. Mali


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PSR continued to foster strong partnerships with the Regional Development Agencies (ADRs) in

an effort to support citizen participation in the Programme de Developpment Economique, Social et

Culturel (PDESC) development process. Finally, while the debriefing of the local councils on youth

assets mapping continued in five communes, Mali PSR began exploring alternative approaches for

reaching larger numbers of youth in a more sustainable manner.

Under the COVID-19 rapid response plan approved on April 23, 2020, Mali PSR completed

several initiatives with local officials to rapidly respond to community needs aimed at increasing

the legitimacy of elected commune officials. Interventions included radio call-in shows where

community health workers provided accurate facts about COVID-19. The program donated

approximately 174 handwashing stations to 36 communes, which filled a critical gap towards

helping communities mitigate the virus. A communications campaign was launched in April:

Understand to Withstand COVID-19 included peer-to-peer messaging and innovative ways to

engage youth and women through E-grins1 and E-tontines.2

Mali PSR launched the Crisis Modifier with the following activities: 1) Mali PSR completed a

preliminary desk-review mapping of USAID Democracy and Governance implementing partners and their local grantees as possible recipients for COVID-19 grant funding in the south of the

country; 2) two grants were awarded to conduct messaging to young people in Sikasso, and

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bamako; 3) staff recruitment was initiated for approved

personnel positions under the Crisis Modifier; and, 4) Mali PSR issued solicitations for baseline

surveys to examine citizens’ perceptions of various issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic,

governance, conflict, and civic engagement, and to establish baseline measures for key

performance indicators.

II. CONTEXT

At all levels, security in Mali deteriorated significantly during the reporting period. The country

experienced several ambushes and complex attacks against defense and security forces, there

was an increase in armed conflict between local ethnic militias, and brazen attacks carried out by

armed bandits. The political climate also took a sharp downturn with highly contested legislative

elections and mass demonstrations denouncing poor governance, corruption, the rigging of

elections, and the release of opposition leader Soumaila Cisse, who was kidnapped four days

before the first round of the elections on March 29. A seven-month teachers’ strike that ended in June also contributed to the tense security environment during the quarter.

Although heightened insecurity did not stall Mali PSR operations, program staff in the regions of

Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Timbuktu, Taoudéni, Menaka, and Kidal had to navigate not only increased

criminality, but also attacks by armed groups and the subsequent military response. On April 6,

in Bamba, a commune in the Gao region, a Malian army (FAMa) position was attacked resulting

in 35 fatalities, 25 of them soldiers, 10 assailants, and 6 wounded. On April 9, the Sub-prefect of

Dinangourou and two others in a FAMa military supply convoy, were killed when their vehicle

1 Grins are circles of friends - mostly men – who meet regularly to talk and drink green tea. They usually drink tea from the

same glass. 2 Tontines are mostly women of the same age group who contribute a set amount of money every month to a common “pot,”

that is allocated to a different member each month. They drink tea or soft drink from the same glass and talk during regularly

scheduled meetings where money is paid and shared out according to a set schedule.


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hit an improvised explosive device. On May 3 in Diré commune, Timbuktu region, the local police

station was attacked by four armed individuals on motorcycles. Three days later, on May 6 a

drive-by murder of a businessman in front of his home led to youth demonstrations against

banditry, resulting in the closure of markets, financial institutions, and public services in the city

of Timbuktu. On the same day in Markala, Segou region, the Islamic Group of the Greater Sahel

attacked a military position reportedly capturing weapons and two vehicles. Between May 16-31,

fifty-six (56) people were killed in attacks linked to inter-community conflicts in the cercles3 of

Bankass, Koro and Bandiagara, in the Mopti region. The month was also marked by several

demonstrations against the results of the elections, curfew, untimely electricity cuts, and a

reaction to the killing of a young man by a policeman in Kayes. For several days, demonstrators

burned tires and blocked roads in Bamako and almost all major towns in Mali.

The killing of Abdelmalek Droukde, the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on

June 3 by French soldiers in Kidal, led to reprisals by armed groups in the North and Center of

the country. The Malian army suffered the loss of 24 soldiers in an attack in Bouka Wéré, Diabaly commune on June 14. A FAMa checkpoint located at the northern exit of Bourem, Gao region,

came under attack on June 16. The next day in Diré, in the Timbuktu region, the Sub-prefects of

Dangha and Diré were kidnapped during an attack on their office. The former was released a few

hours later and was able to reach the locality of Goundam; the Sub-prefect of Diré was released

on June 20.

The attacks on the military and government offices in June were coupled by an increase in actions

by armed groups and inter-community violence in the Mopti region. In the first half of the month,

civilians in the localities where the Katiba Macina and Jama’at Nusral al-Islam operate were victims

of physical violence and racketeering. Twenty-four civilians were killed, including 15 at the weekly

market in Yangassadiou on June 3 in Mopti. Eight (8) were killed, and 53 injured, when a bus in

the Douentza cercle hit an improvised explosive device.

To exacerbate an already volatile environment, the second round of the legislative elections was

held on April 19 in a tense atmosphere due to multiple challenges to the results of the first round

and due to the fact that voting in several localities was disrupted or prevented by the intimidation

tactics of armed groups. Several demonstrations were organized in Bamako and in several cities

to denounce alleged tampering with ballot boxes, the poor organization of the elections, and the

controversial ruling by the Constitutional Court which reversed approximately 20 percent of the

results in favor of ruling party candidates. This situation created a climate of tension and mistrust

between the government and opposition political parties and galvanized a coalition of opposition

groups into mass protests.

The Coordination of Movements and Associations and Sympathizers of imam Mahmoud Dicko4;

the Front for the Safeguarding of Democracy; the Movement Espoir Mali Koura; the Forum of

Civil Society Organizations (FOSC); several opposition political parties; trade unions, drew

thousands of activists and ordinary citizens to two demonstrations. During the first protest on

June 5, security forces clashed with demonstrators, preventing them from reaching the

president’s office and his private residence. On the same day, four prisoners at Bamako's central

3 A cercle is the second level administrative unit in Mali. 4 Dicko is a former head of the national High Islamic Council, and leader of the Wahabi sect in Mali.


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prison were killed in a failed jail break, allegedly to join the protests. By the second demonstration

on June 19, the organizers had formed the Mouvement du 5 juin du Rassemblement des Forces

Patriotiques (M5-RFP), a coalition representing the opposition groups. President Keita’s offer to

meet with M5-RFP was rejected, triggering a mission to Mali by the Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS) on June 18 to help de-escalate the situation. Joint meetings

were held with the African Union and United Nations representatives on June 24. An ECOWAS

press release was released and called for the government to reconsider the disputed results of

the elections. In a statement echoing the press release, U.S. Ambassador, Dennis B. Hankins,

reaffirmed the international community’s position that there should not be efforts to remove the

government of Mali by unconstitutional means.

These events not only highlighted widespread socio-political malaise, but the growing influence

of religious leaders in national politics.

COVID-19 in Mali On March 25, the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Mali. As of June 27, there were

2,118 confirmed cases of COVID-19 of which 1,398 had recovered and 113 were fatal. Bamako

is the epicenter of the virus. However, in June, there was a sharp spike in the Timbuktu region

which resulted in emergency response led by the US Mission and other bilateral donors. Of the

2,118 cases in total, 488 were in the Timbuktu region, representing approximately 23%, behind

Bamako with 1,017 cases, or 48%. The region of Mopti recorded 216 cases, approximately 10%

percent. Since the outbreak of the first case on March 25, 2020, 13,908 people have been tested

out of a population of about 20 million, representing only 0.06% of the overall population.

As with many other countries, the Malian government struggled to address the immediate impact

and second order effects of COVID-19. On April 10, the president announced the following

assistance measures: 1) a government payment of water and electricity bills for the most destitute

households; 2) distribution of food for the most vulnerable; bonuses for health personnel; and 3)

a plan for mobilizing XOF 500 billion (approx. $883,000,000) to address the pandemic in Mali.

Commune Classification

Mali PSR’s commune classification remains an important context monitoring tool to regularly

update risks and conflict assessments. The classification responds to unanticipated changes in an

ever-evolving security context, and allows for Sequencing, Layering, and Integration adjustments

in activity design and implementation. In buffer and resilient communes, Mali PSR conducted

intervention activities around community stabilization and assisted communities to address

grievances that could become a source of conflict.

The 46 Mali PSR communes were reclassified during the quarter. The following nine (9) criteria

continue to be used to classify target communes as resilient, buffer or in conflict:

Under Objective 1

• Level of conflicts

• Status of the mechanisms to prevent and mitigate conflicts

• Existence of external threats


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Under Objective 2

• Functioning of state services

• Do basic social services to the citizen

• Existence of communication and exchange mechanisms between the state and the citizens

Under Objective 3

• Existence of radical beliefs

• Engagement of youth in violent extremist activities

• Occupation by violent extremist groups

General patterns of commune’s designation

Communes are most vulnerable to and affected by ongoing conflict and insecurity. The absence

or weak presence of state officials continue to hinder the delivery of basic social services thus

widening the trust deficit between citizens and the government and rendering participatory

governance and collective action difficult. Although buffer communes have some resilience they

remain largely at risk for conflict because the presence of armed groups hinders the freedom of

movement and expression. Basic social services, particularly schools, are intermittently available.

In communes where the Malian army is absent, armed groups ensure the security of people and

property. However, these armed groups lack institutional accountability to the state, which could

cause some of the armed groups to commit abuses in their communities.

Communes without conflict and insecurity are classified as resilient. This means that the state is

present and basic social services are delivered. These communes are not subjected to violent

conflicts largely due to presence of the Malian army and/or international military forces. Joint

patrolling by the Malian Army/CMA/Platform and international armed forces also contributed to the security of residents. As shown in the graphs below, Mali PSR communes are mostly classified

as buffer and in conflict.

Out of a total of 22 communes in

the Center, eight (8) communes

remained in conflict, ten (10) as

buffer. During the quarter, the

communes of Niono and Bandiagara

improved from conflict to buffer,

conversely however, the situation in

Konna deteriorated from buffer to

conflict. Resilient communes four

(4) remain unchanged.

Q2, 9 Q2 9

Q2, 4

Q3, 8

Q3, 10

Q3 4

Conflict Buffer Resilient

Commune classification, Center Q2 & Q3.


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In the North, the three communes of

the Taoudenit region, were classified

as buffer, while the communes of

Anderamboukane and Alata

degenerated from buffer to conflict.

By the end of the quarter, five

communes were in conflict; 14 in

buffer. Five (5) communes

determined to be resilient remain

unchanged.

Overall, 52% of Mali PSR communes

(24) are buffer, 28% are in conflict

(13), and 20% (or 9) are considered

resilient (9), which therefore

confirms the continuing fragility of

these communes to cope with

conflicts.

See Annex IV for a full commune

classification table.

Grants

During the quarter, USAID approved 50 grants worth a total value of $305,925 USD. The

program issued the following eight (8) solicitations:

• #MaliYouth2Youth for early warning COVID-19 messages.

• Production of a COVID-19 Early Warning slam in French and Bambara.

• Radio soap operas on the Pastoral Charter and the Agricultural Orientation Law for the

prevention and management of conflicts between herders and farmers are under

production.

• Development of a vlog to encourage participation of citizens with disabilities in the PDESC

process.

• Development of radio and or online campaigns that encourage citizen participation in the

PDSEC process is under review.

• Referral and support services for female survivors of trauma during confinement.

• COVID-19 Youth Social Enterprise Ideas Competition.

A list of the grants approved and/or awarded during the quarter are included as Annex V.

Q2, 6

Q2, 13

Q2, 5Q3,5

Q3, 14

Q3, 5


Commune classification, North Q2 & Q3.

Q2, 15

Q2, 22

Q2, 9

Q3, 13

Q3, 23

Q3, 9


All PSR communes Q2 & Q3 .


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IV. OBJECTIVE 1: RESILIENCE TO VIOLENCE AND CONFLICT REINFORCED

Establishing an Early Warning Early Response System

As part of the process to assist in the design and

establishment of an Early Warning and Response

(EWER) system at the commune level, Mali PSR

worked with CEC members and local authorities

in ten (10) communes5 to ascertain how

communities transmit information. The

communes were selected based on the findings of

the intersectoral analysis6 which identified that

trust in these communes is sufficiently high to

pilot an EWER system.

Communities identified traditional

communication channels that were mostly verbal

and informal. Many of the traditional

communication systems include a town crier, local messengers, and traditional communicators.

These actors were selected because they have demonstrated their ability to reliably convey

messages on specific upcoming events and/or share information within the community or to

selected recipients. Mobile phones and social media are used to report alerts or share information

in communes where internet connection is reliable. Local radios are the main and most reliable

communication channel, however, to disseminate mass information, such as announcements and

decisions from authorities. In Ouenkoro, respondents specifically identified women and youth as

key information and communication resources.

As a next step to piloting an Early Warning Early Response system, Mali PSR is preparing to engage Fund for Peace (FFP), a key partner under the USAID-funded Reacting to Early Warning

and Response Data in West Africa program (REWARD), to finalize the EWER strategy. In the

next quarter, FFP will complete its review on the appropriate EWER actors and will work with

CNAP to set-up a pilot system in select communes.

Training of Key Influencers in Conflict Mediation, Negotiation and Dispute

Resolution

During the quarter,143 people, including 30 women and 32 youth, were trained in groups of 10

on conflict prevention and mitigation in Soni Ali Ber, Anderamboukane, Ansongo, Djenne and

Tessit. Training participants included members of the: CEC, Conflict Management Committee

(CMC), Local Youth Council, Coordination des Associations et ONGs Feminines (CAFO), Jeune

Chambre Internationale, and political/administrative authorities.

The following points emerged from the discussions during the Tessit training held on May 14:

a) Women and youth were underrepresented in several structures aimed at managing and

preventing conflicts; thus, in the event of conflicts, they are neither consulted nor

involved;

5 Ouenkoro, Segue, Tenenkou, Segou, Markala, Bamba, Sony Ali Ber, Alata, Agouni, and Ber. 6 The intersectoral analysis is based on findings from the Conflict Assessment Analysis and the Fragility – Resilience Assessment

Methodology (FRAMe®), an instrument developed by Creative Associates International, to measure citizens’ perceptions on

the overall governance system.

A town crier walking through the streets


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b) Some conflicts were not mitigated

because the influential people involved were

not always neutral. Some members of the

CMC for example, have waited to be

contacted instead of proactively addressing

the conflict(s);

c) Exchange visits must be organized to

allow members of conflict prevention and

management structures to learn and benefit

from the experience of other communes;

d) More youth and women should be trained

in conflict management/prevention to

ensure that they can play a more enhanced

and effective role within the community structures;

e) A public debate should be organized on the management and prevention of conflicts using a practical case such as the conflict between herders and farmers in Gassal.

During training sessions which were held May 14 and 15, participants in Djenne felt that the

approaches taught in the training would lead to effective conflict mitigation to address recurrent

herders-farmers and land conflicts.

Participants in the conflict prevention and mitigation training made the following

recommendations:

• Revitalize and equip existing conflict management committees;

• Plan awareness-raising and mobilization activities in the event of disasters and pandemics

such as COVID-19;

• Create a fund for mediation and reconciliation missions;

• Train mediators to manage conflicts in the commune;

• Set up a committee to follow up on the recommendations;

• The Government of Mali must implement the Peace Agreement;

• Restore the authority of the traditional leaders;

• Promote access to equitable justice;

• Train community leaders on their roles and responsibilities.

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE TRAINING ON

CONFLICT PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

Bintou Walet Assaleh, CAFO member in Tessit stated, “I attended several courses in conflict

management, but this training was more original in terms of content and approach. I understood

how to analyze, manage, and prevent a conflict. It was really very interesting. I thank Mali PSR and

think that we must in turn debrief members of our organizations. I am sure that from now on

the local authorities will consider women and youth role in conflict management.”

A conflict prevention training session held in May 2020


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According to Baba Maiga, former council advisor and a member of the CMC, “The situation in

Djenné has been calm for some time. We must maintain this situation through local conflict

management mechanisms; this is why the CMC must exist and be functional.”

Haoussa Korobara stated, “The training allowed me to understand that a lot can be done at the

local level without necessarily possessing large resources to prevent conflicts.”

The President of the local CAFO and CEC member, Safiatou Kabango, stated, “There is no

community without conflict; conflicts are linked to our existence and it is therefore necessary to

prevent and resolve them. This training is welcome, and we women are ready to support men

wherever it is a question of peace and social cohesion. Mali PSR can count on us women.”

Mali PSR’s community engagement and entry approach emphasized the need for community

ownership and trust in the resolution and mitigation of conflict and the promotion of

peacebuilding. During startup, the program established CECs, which called for specific selection

criteria, responsibilities and composition that are different from the Conflict Management

Committees. However, in 23 of 46 Mali PSR intervention communes, members of CMCs also

serve on the CECs. Mali PSR will explore how the overlap in membership may be an opportunity

for sustainability of leadership in commune level conflict management. The program will continue

to support CEC and CMC members to apply their newly acquired skills to prevent/mitigate

conflicts. A listing of CMCs is included as Annex VI.

Forums for Reintegration and Reconciliation

Mali PSR organized reintegration and reconciliation forums in ten (10) communes7 to solicit

community perspectives on the opportunities for, and challenges to reconciliation and

reintegration to enable communes to prepare how these very important issues will be addressed.

The forums brought together a total of 338 participants, including 76 women et 62 youth. CEC

members, community advisors, government technical services, influential people and key actors,

youth, women, and religious leaders were in attendance. In an effort to observe COVID-19 social

distancing requirements, each forum was held over a 3-day period and training was conducted in

groups of ten.

In the Timbuktu forum held from May 8 -13, reconciliation was perceived as an overall framework

for peace and a means of bringing together two or more people who have been in conflict, while

reintegration was defined as a process where ex-combatants return back into society and armed

groups are disarmed and agree to stop using violence. Participants noted that while the

international community can assist by supporting and monitoring peacebuilding programs,

providing advice, expertise and training, reconciliation must be locally owned.

Some participants agreed during a forum held in Dire from May 7-9, that reconciliation was an

issue because of clashes between the community, the mayor and the police. Others stated the

commune did not have a reintegration issue because Sonrai, Tamashek, Bozo, and Peuhl

7 Timbuktu, Diré, Soboundou, Agouni, Ber, Goundam, Macina, Niono, Bandiagara and Ouenkoro.


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communities coexist peacefully. This perception contradicts the results of the FRAMe® data for

this commune which highlighted social cohesion as a source of fragility to be addressed in order

to prevent conflict. Yet other participants were skeptical and considered reconciliation and

reintegration to be mere words with no meaningful action.

The forum in Goundam, took place May 11-13. The community members acknowledged that the

commune was faced with challenges to reintegration and reconciliation, because social cohesion

was weak, and peace had not yet been obtained. Several participants also highlighted that the Algiers Peace Agreement was not yet fully implemented and that only a select few benefitted

from the absence of reconciliation and reintegration in the commune. Nevertheless, there was

strong agreement that reconciliation is a prerequisite to development.

Women in the Soboundou commune shared during the forums that were held from May 14-16,

that they not only had to adhere to a conservative dress code imposed by armed groups, but that

they were also subjected to body searches. Participants also stated that the prerequisites for

reintegration and reconciliation have not been met. For them, the conditions would need to

include the presence of the army; the return of displaced persons; an end to gender-based

violence by armed groups; compensation of victims by the State; and an effective return of the

government administration throughout the entire commune.

The forum in Agouni was held June 28 -30. The youth who were represented in forums noted

that they expected reconciliation and reintegration to provide opportunities for employment,

education, and a “peaceful life”. They added that they believe they are easy targets for armed

groups until reconciliation and reintegration measures are in place. Cultural barriers and shame

prevent young women from denouncing the acts of violence to which they fall victim regularly,

and which they note is an obstacle to reconciliation.

In Ber, the reintegration and reconciliation forums were held June 28-30. Participants defined a

process where combatants reintegrated into society and armed groups put down their weapons

and stopped using violence. Participants shared that they found it useful to understand how to

design peace and reconciliation initiatives in order to promote coexistence and social cohesion.

However, one woman stressed the importance of external partner assistance and key actors’

commitment in order to achieve peace and reconciliation.

As a follow-up to the February 2019 meeting on the return of displaced persons, CEC members

paired up and began a tour on May 18 of Soumouni, Kama, Komara, Tinema, Touara, and Macina8

to obtain community perspectives on reconciliation and reintegration. However, CEC members

were unable to complete the tour in Komara, which was the last stop due to the presence of

armed groups. The members went, instead, to the village of Merou, which is known for hosting

Peulhs during the transhumance period. In the villages, communities consider reconciliation and

reintegration as a return to normal life where everyone accepts each other regardless of their

ethnicity or origin. A Malian cannot be a foreigner in Mali, so the Peulhs are not foreigners in the

8 These villages have the highest numbers of Peuhls who were forced to flee due to inter-community violence.


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community was a strong sentiment that was expressed. Similarly, the communities feel that people

who have been seen collaborating with, and thus supporting armed groups cannot return.

In Bandiagara, communities believe reconciliation and reintegration are only possible if there is a

minimum of security. Given frequent attacks by armed groups, participants stated they no longer

trust authorities or feel that the State can secure people and their property. Further, communities

believe Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) must be addressed to fight the

proliferation of weapons. Other issues raised were the theft of livestock and ethnic stigmatization. Participants pledged that once the prerequisite of security is a reality, they will lead the task of

sensitizing the broader community to promote peace, social cohesion, coexistence, and

forgiveness.

From June 28-29, participants in Ouenkoro underscored the fragility of the commune because of

the location on the border with Burkina Faso where armed groups move easily and with impunity

between the two countries. Additionally, the stigmatization of this predominantly Peulh

community was a key obstacle to reconciliation because other ethnic groups consider them as

members of extremist groups. The last forum of the quarter was held in Niono between June

29-30. The community conflicts between farmers and herders emerged as the main obstacle to

reconciliation and reintegration.

Given the wide range of views, participants in the forums in Dire, Goundam and Soboundou

recommended the establishment of a six-member follow-up committee in each commune to lead

further discussion. Members of the committee will include religious, youth and women leaders.

Combined, participants at the forums discussed above identified the following obstacles to

reintegration and reconciliation that aligned with the four grievances identified in the Fragility and Resilience Assessment Methodology and Integrated Conflict Assessment intersectoral analysis:

• Competition for/poor management of natural resources;

• Weak governance (impunity, poverty, corruption);

• The non-involvement of communities in the decision-making processes);

• The breakdown of social cohesion (mistrust and lack of communication between

communities; stigmatization of the Peulhs, which has reinforced inter-community

conflicts; fear of expressing oneself);

• Heightened insecurity (terrorist attacks, circulation of small arms and light weapons,

kidnapping and cattle abduction);

• Lack of access to basic social services, local investment for development, and, cultural

interaction;

• Food insecurity;

• Slow implementation of the peace agreement, specifically the Demobilization,

Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) process, including lack of support to and

stigmatization of ex-combatants and victims.


15

Participants at the forums made the following recommendations to address reintegration and

reconciliation that can be clustered as follows:

Implement the Algiers Peace Agreement

• Disseminate the Peace Agreement through local radios;

• Identify and pay damages to victims and punish those responsible for abuses against the

communities;

• Accelerate the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration process/ create a special

DDR site for the Bandiagara Cercle;

• Ensure the return of the administration throughout the entire commune;

• Provide security for people and their property, including through the establishment of

military bases.

Empower youth and women economically

• Create income-generating opportunities for youth and women;

• Establish a campaign one weapon against one income generating to encourage members

of armed groups, especially youth, to lay down their arms.

Strengthen community resilience

• Expand training and forums on peace and reconciliation to other locations, and ahead of

the upcoming rainy season so that the communities can peacefully till the land;

• Organize a broad consultation between community, religious, customary, administrative

and political leaders;

• Regulate preaching to promote moderate voices throughout the commune;

• Adherence to local laws and conventions on the exploitation of natural resources;

• Organize exchanges and community outreach activities to restore trust and promote

peace between communities;

• Engage/Intensify dialogue between religious leaders and armed groups.

Promote coexistence between host communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

• Support the effective return of refugees and displaced persons;

• Facilitate the signature of non-aggression agreements between returnees and the resident

communities;

• Facilitate the return and integration of IDPs into the social and economic activities of

host communities;

• Signature of a memorandum of understanding between the IDPs and the community

members which will define the conditions under which they will coexist and respect for

the customs of host communities;

• Organization of an exchange forum between IDPs and community leaders in the presence

of administrative authorities;

• Request humanitarian actors to close camps and facilitate displaced members and refugees

to return to the commune.


16

Mali PSR continued documenting opportunities for and challenges to reconciliation and

reintegration in order to assist communes to develop a grievance response plan based on the

specific local recommendations from each forum. The program will continue to partner with

communes to design activities, including grants to support the resolution of local grievances.

TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS ON THE FORUMS ON

REINTEGRATON AND RECONCILIATION

“Reconciliation is a very broad process. It applies to everyone and not only to those who have

directly suffered and to those who have inflicted suffering. Attitudes must be dealt with at the

local level. However, coexistence and social cohesion must go hand in hand with the resumption

of basic communication. Political and community leaders, NGOs and religious institutions must

promote such communication. Local decisionmakers have a responsibility to ensure minimal

physical security,” stated Alpha Oumar Maiga, a Timbuktu participant.

According to the village chief of Soumouni, “We have lived together for decades. There is no

longer any reason not to accept them. They are foreigners in the displaced areas. This is their

home. We hope that as soon as they return, we will start on a new basis in order to preserve

coexistence.”

In Kama, the village chief testified to the role each person plays in development, “The Peuhls take

care of the cattle, something that no one else can do.”

We are in favor of reconciliation and reintegration subject to forgiveness. “But people who have been

seen collaborating with jihadists can no longer return. One cannot forget his enemy in

cohabitation. As for reintegration, it translates to coexistence. Communities that have lived

together for generations will gain nothing in conflicts because the displaced persons will have no

better home,” said another village chief.

An advisor to the village chief Macina, Diarra testified, “The crisis has hit the town in all its

diversity. It was not only the displaced people, particularly the Peuhls, who suffered, but it was

everyone. However, the authorities must take responsibility for securing those who have

remained and those who want to return, because we do not trust each other. All things

considered, the Bozos, the Peulhs, the Bambaras and the other ethnic groups need each other.”

“I think we must learn to resolve our differences with the help of traditional leaders and avoid

resorting to the judicial authorities. This has been the source of many conflicts. We must also

decide to support those who want to return because they are our brothers. I am particularly

happy that this meeting allowed us to express our concerns and that our voices are heard,” stated

Mariam Diallo, a young woman leader of the Communal Youth Council.

Fatim Traore, a woman leader stated, “On behalf of the youth, I am happy with this process that

Mali PSR started. Without a framework for exchange, we cannot overcome our difficulties. Let


17

us think about reintegration. I hope that concrete actions will be taken to relieve the

communities.”

Agouni CEC President, Moulay Alkalifa Ould Moulaye stated, “Without reconciliation and

reintegration one does not live in this commune, one survives. We are sad to observe the

precarious life of our communities. We have the impression that the State has forgotten us. Yet

we unanimously agree that peace is not possible without effective reconciliation and

reintegration.”

V. OBJECTIVE 2: INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

STRENGTHENED IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Support to the PDESC Development Process

In collaboration with the Regional Development Agency (ADR), Mali PSR officially kicked off the

process of developing inclusive and participatory Programme de Développement Economique,

Social et Culturel (PDSEC). The Regional Development Agencies are mandated by law to lead

the development of PDSECs. The ADRs have generally relied upon foreign donors to finance

consultants to write the PDSECs without community input or participation. The inclusion of

commune citizens and CEC members through Mali PSR direct support, is an innovation aimed at

promoting inclusive governance. With this goal, during the quarter, the ADRs began local planning

for nine communes in the region of Segou with the mayors of the communes of Mopti, Ouenkoro, Ségou, Niono, Diabaly and Pelengana; the representatives of the mayors from Segué, Matomo

and Youwarou; representatives of the Regional Directorate of Statistics in Applied Informatics

Planning, and technical staff from the USAID-funded Sub-National Governance Program (SNGP).

On May 29, the local planning process was launched through training led by staff from the ADRs

and the Mali PSR Governance Technical Lead. Mali PSR’s Community Coordinators and the

Regional Program Managers were trained on the development of a PDESC with an emphasis on

mobilizing community members and civil society representatives. The training was replicated on

June 2 in Ségou and covered the following topics:

• Ensure future PDESCs take into account the needs of communities, including climate

change, food security, conflict prevention and management, reproductive health. the fight

against VE, and gender.

• The improvement of local governance in the management of public affairs by inviting and

motivating CSOs to greater commitment and oversight.

• The new approach and complementary role of the ADR-PCP-SNGP which results in less

use of consultants in drafting the PDSECs.

• Enhanced understanding the PDSEC process for all community members.

• The mechanism for managing, coordinating and monitoring the activities of the PDSEC

elaboration process.

• Strengthening the capacity of civil society actors in local planning.

• The methodology for the PDSEC drafting.

• The PDSEC development timeline.


18

In order to adhere to the approved official methodology prescribed in the national guide for local

development planning, 15 facilitators, five from each commune in Niono, Diabaly and Matomo

were trained on the PDSEC analysis process, data collection tools and facilitation techniques from

June 20-23. The training of the 15 facilitators that included CEC and community members was

the first step in building the capacity of communes to imbibe local inclusive planning rather than

for communities to rely on external consultants who are unfamiliar with the issues within the

community.

Assessing next steps for data collection, participants proposed that because of insecurity, the risk

of COVID-19, and the start of rainy season, the Youwarou, Segué and Ouenkoro workshops be

relocated to the town of Mopti. Similarly, the Matomo and Diabaly workshops were proposed

for relocation to Macina and Niono, respectively. Because of the relocation which takes the

process outside of the commune, CEC and Village Development Committee members,

communes will designate civil society and community-based organizations representatives to

participate in the preparatory and data collection phases. In the Mopti, Ségou, Niono, and Pelengana communes, the workshops will be held in situ as planned. Initial data collection is

anticipated in both Segou and Mopti regions for the week of August 6. The findings will be

presented in each commune, security permitting.

Preparations for the PDESC process in the North has moved slowly due to coordination

challenges between the Regional Development Agencies for Gao, Menaka, Kidal, Taoudenit, and

Timbuctou9 .At the close of the quarter, the ADRs and the program had agreed upon a budget;

and, the proposed implementation schedule was under review.

At the conclusion of each phase of the PDESC development, Mali PSR will issue a report on

challenges, solutions, recommendations, and next steps.

Grants to Facilitate Citizen Inclusion

To further support citizen participation in local

planning, Mali PSR awarded a grant to Derhane,

a woman-led national organization to develop

and diffuse an online vlog campaign encouraging

people with disabilities to participate in the

PDSEC process. The program also issued two

additional grants for slam and radio public

education campaigns that complemented the

program’s direct support for citizen

participation in local planning.

A full list of program activities and targets reached is included as Annex I.

9 The Directors of the Regional Development Agencies in the north designated the Gao Director to lead coordination and to

serve as the interlocuter with the project.

A Dehrane vlog on the PDSEC process


19

VI. OBJECTIVE 3: EMPOWERING YOUTH AND BUILDING THEIR RESILIENCE

TO VIOLENT EXTREMISM

A key activity achieved during the quarter was the presentation of findings for the youth assets

mapping that took place the previous quarter. A key activity achieved during the quarter was the

presentation of findings for the youth assets mapping to elected officials of Kidal, Bourem, Koro,

Bandiagara and Douentza. In both Koro and Bandiagara, the officials found that activities selected

by the youth were aligned with the activities included in the commune's PDESC. Participants

attending the presentation made the following recommendations: Train the selected ten (10)

youth in project management; Monitor and support the implementation of projects; Provide

funding to the projects within a short time. In Douentza, Bourem and Kidal, livelihood activities

selected by the ten (10) young people in each commune included pastry making, small trade,

animal husbandry, catering, carpentry, market gardening, crafts, sewing, fish farming, second-hand

goods and computer equipment trade. At the end of the presentation, in Kidal, the Mayor,

Arbakane Ag Abzyack, stated, “Some of the proposed activities are included in the current

PDESC. We will take into account the other findings of the youth assets mapping in the next

development/revision of the PDESC scheduled for 2021. The main thing is to ensure the

implementation of the proposed activities by the youth. Grants to youth will provide an

opportunity to address the threats such as radicalization and banditry that young people face

today.”

During the quarter, another mapping exercise was done of existing cooperatives in the communes was done in order to engage the private sector to engage more holistically in

developing market-based approaches to address youth livelihoods through training-to-work

transition support for youth.

Youth Advocacy Training

During the reporting period, advocacy training aimed at strengthening the capacity of youth

organizations to promote the rights of and expanded the agency of youth was conducted in

Markala and Macina. A total of 41people including two (2) young women and 39 young men were

trained on concepts and techniques to influence decision-makers. Through an interactive process

using training modules developed by Mali PSR, participants were provided with practical examples

of how to advocate for inclusion in the distribution of the Office du Niger10 irrigation schemes. A

draft advocacy plan for Macina is included as Annex VII.

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE YOUTH ADVOCACY TRAINING

The Mayor in Markala stated: “There are no young people among the 29 members of the

Communal Council. This is a crisis of shared responsibility. I have no doubt that these three days

of training in advocacy techniques will allow young people to acquire advocacy skills in local

development, including their participation in the development of the Plan de Developpement

Economique, Social et Culturel. If it is true that youth represent the future, then the future must

be discussed with the effective involvement of youth. Obviously, they are best placed to claim

10 The Office du Niger is a semi-autonomous government agency in Segou, responsible for building irrigation systems and for

recruiting and settling farm families in the regon.


20

their rights. I hope that the knowledge acquired will also be shared with their peers to address

young people's grievances in communal development.”

Markala participant Dephine Ki shared his experience from the training and stated: “This training

will strengthen our communication capacity to assess and discuss the problems and solutions that

affect us. This is the change we are expecting.”

Mohamed Tahirou Traoré, a young participant in Markala, attested, "This training has allowed us

to learn the meaning and the mechanisms for claiming our rights. In the future, we are now well-

equipped to identify our problems, discuss them and claim all our rights without violence before

the communal and administrative authorities.”

Addressing Violent Extremism

Under the program’s efforts to engage community institutions to strengthen youth resilience to

violent extremism, CEC members, the School Management Committee (SMC), the parents’

association, elected officials, teachers, students, representatives of women’s associations, CAFO,

the Commune Youth Council, and the Centre d'Animation Pédagogique11in Bankass, Mopti, Djenne,

Konna and Tongue came together during a community dialogue to share their experience in

addressing violent extremism. The meetings, facilitated by the Community Coordinator and CEC

members, brought together 39 participants, including nine (9) women and four (4) youth. The

main objective was to provide a safe space for teachers and other community actors trained on

preventing violent extremism to partner with parents to identify behavioral changes in young

people that suggests radicalization. During the meeting in Konna on May 12 for example,

participants identified warning signs that signaled for them, youth’s leaning toward extremist

behavior. These signs include such things as: “dubious” associations, self-confinement, lack of

supervision of youth and the absence of dialogue between children and their parents. In Bankass,

the teachers committed to raise awareness among students in formal schools and medersas12.

Women and youth pledged to share the outcome of the meetings in the grins13 and tontines14.

Participants in Mopti and Djenne respectively on June 27 and 30, recommended increased dialogue between the SMC and the Association des Élèves et Étudiants du Mali.

The SMC president from Konna testified, “Through this meeting, we’ve learned that partners

really want to help us. The crisis has meant that young people have lost their bearings. To deal

with the problem, we need to build everyone's capacity. This is what Mali PSR has just started.”

Participants of the violent extremism teacher-parent community dialogue meetings in Bankass,

Mopti, and Djenne made the following recommendations:

• Inform and sensitize communities on the threats of violent extremism.

11 The Centre d'Animation Pédagogique oversees public school structures. 12 Places of worship and religious instruction. 13 Grins are circles of friends - mostly men – who meet regularly to talk and drink green tea. They usually drink tea from the

same glass as a solidarity ritual between members. 14 Tontines are mostly women of the same age group who contribute a set amount of money every month to a common “pot,”

that is allocated to a different member each month. They drink tea or soft drink from the same glass and talk during regularly

scheduled meetings where money is paid and shared out according to a set schedule.


21

• Initiate activities that can promote forgiveness between communities.

• Initiate cultural activities to encourage the communities to value the customs of their

commune.

• Support local initiatives for youth employment.

• Establish dialogue between the youth and traditional and administrative authorities.

• Sensitize youth and their families to value the customs of their commune.

• Strengthen youth education within the family as well as in school to avoid bad behavior.

• Create opportunities for youth to avoid idleness and risk of enrolment.

• Implement awareness-raising activities with Mali PSR support.

• Broadcast awareness messages to community leaders.

Following this meeting, Mali PSR began to integrate into its interventions activities that address

the community recommendations. The recommendations will also serve as an avenue for

providing information for the Peace Lab initiative that is designed to capture lessons learned in

preventing and countering violent extremism.

Activating Mali PSR’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Plan

Within 30 days of the first outbreak of the Coronavirus in country, Mali PSR submitted a proposal

to address and respond to awareness needs of the pandemic. Mali PSR obtained approval from

USAID to implement a rapid response pivoting existing activities in the Year 2 work plan to

activate immediate awareness and response activities. Under the Mali PSR rapid response plan,

activities ranged from launching a Communications Campaign called: Understand to Withstand

COVID-19; to donations of handwashing stations with liquid soaps and gels; distribution of masks;

E-grins and E-tontines; peer-to-peer messaging; and countering disinformation by commune

officials and youth.

Launching the COVID-19 Public Health Communications Campaign:

Countering Disinformation. Mali PSR partnered with COVID-19 commune focal points, health

workers and local radio stations to spread general awareness about COVID-19 counter

disinformation being spread about the virus and efforts to promote knowledge and understanding

about the pandemic in ten (10) communes15. Live radio call-in shows were sponsored in an effort

to provide accurate information in local languages on the symptoms, modes of transmission, the

need to respect social distancing as a preventative measure to mitigate the spread of the virus

and where listeners can find available masks. The call in shows also provided information on

where citizens can go for screening and/or to isolation sites should they contract the virus. Radio

was the chosen medium to begin the communications campaign because it reaches a large portion

of the population, it reaches both literate and less literate community members, and is a reliable

mechanism for conveying accurate COVID-19 messages.

TESTIMONIALS

“At the first suspicious signs, I confined myself without any outside influence. I stop going to the

mosque and avoid attending social events such as weddings. I informed and limited interaction

with my family, and, received care from my doctor at home. After I was officially diagnosed of

15 Youwarou, Soboundou, Ansongo, Bourem, Tessit, Menaka, Goundam, Soni Ali Ber, Timbuktu and Bamba.


22

COVID-19, my physician transferred me to the treatment center, where I was consulted three

times a day. The doctor also monitored whether I was taking my medication correctly.

However, no one took care of my family. I feel also stigmatized because I have found that

people don't want to come close to me. As health experts have not yet revealed the immunity

of a person who has had the disease before, I continue to respect all the protective measures

to avoid contracting this nasty disease again,” testified Haradane Toure, a COVID -19 cured

patient.

Mali PSR’s Understand to Withstand Communications Campaign

#MaliYouth2Youth. Under the rapid response Mali PSR is awarding small grants to youth to

develop and disseminate COVID-19 early warning messages to their peers on blogs, Facebook,

Twitter, and WhatsApp. Youth bloggers, who are working in alignment with the OneHealth

Platform16 include CEC youth members, Voices4Peace Tech Camp graduates, Community

Empowerment Project jeunes collecteurs de données, and Young African Leaders Initiative alumni.

During the quarter 25 small grants totaling approximately $15,356 were awarded under the

#MaliYouth2Youth COVID-19 early warning campaign.

Peer-to-peer Messaging. In eight17 communes, the program’s Community Coordinators

worked with members of the local CEC’, the Local Youth Councils (CCJ), CAFO, the

Traditional Communicator Network (RECOTRADE), religious leaders, elected officials,

community actors, and administrative authorities to identify peer messengers who have

influence with targeted unique identity groups18. Each peer-messenger delivered two-minute messages which were recorded and broadcast in Bambara, Peulh, Dogosso, Sonrai, and

Tamasheq.

Slam Poetry. Innovative Slam Poetry was rolled out as a critical element of the COVID-19

Communications Campaign. The Slam help to reach a critical mass of Mali’s large youth

population. Produced under a Mali PSR grant, the popular poet, Sacca Rose, developed a slam19

that was posted and on the U.S. Embassy and USAID websites. The Slam was also aired on

community radios in Mali PSR target communes. The Slam, messaging about the need to take

preventative measures against COVID-19 received appreciative feedback from listeners and

viewers. The PoëKan poetry was also developed in Bamanakan, Peulh, Sonrai and Tamashek.

Following discussions with Breakthrough Action, in Year 3 Mali PSR will support PoëKan poetry

in Peuhl and Tamashek.

E-Grins and E-Tontines. In order to demonstrate that cherished social rituals can be maintained

safely during COVID-19, Mali PSR facilitated online social media interactions between the

members of three (3) grins and of two (2) tontines using Duo and WhatsApp in Soboundou

(June12-14); Timbuktu (June 14), Djenné (June 17), and Markala (June 20-22). During these online

conversations, 15 young men and 20 young women, while staying at home, discussed COVID-19

preventive measures. Normally, the preparation of the tea and drinking from a communal glass

16 The OneHealth Platform is the combined government and donor partner initiative to address COVID-19 in Mali. 17 Timbuktu, Segue, Tenenkou, Koro, Youwarou, Segou, Matomo and Niono. 18 The six identity groups are: adult men/women; young men/women; elected officials and religious leaders. 19 https://www.facebook.com/113932096655967/videos/261157788357294/


23

is part of the solidarity ritual of grins and tontines. In Markala, poor internet connection and the

incompatibility of some phones with the Duo app made it difficult for all participants to be online

at the same time. In Soboundou, peers assisted each other to use Duo for the first time. The two

female presidents of the tontines appreciated being the first recipients to use the concept of E-

tontine and called on others to do the same. Amssetou Sidibé, president of the Saramaya women's

tontine in Markala testified, “Thanks to Duo and WhatsApp, we were able to hold our tontine

at a distance. Everyone stayed home, drank tea while participating in our regular social gathering.

People paid their membership fees using Orange mobile payment. We were even able to agree

on the name of the next beneficiary of the fees. It is very practical during this period of COVID-

19. I invite other women to use this approach.”

Support to Local Commune Officials

Handwashing stations and Personal Protective Equipment

Mali PSR provided 83 handwashing stations, 167 hydroalcoholic

gels, 840 bars of soap, 115 bottles of liquid soap, 1,400 masks

and 1,000 pairs of gloves in public places such as markets,

mosques, churches, and bus stations in sixteen communes20. In

most communes, members of the CEC, local authorities,

COVID-19 Focal Points and or health workers provided a

demonstration during the donation ceremony on the correct

way to clean hands and maintain the handwashing stations. In

other communes, the town crier drew attention to the

demonstration and the distribution of hygiene kits by conveying

messages on protective measures and compliance with the

advice of health experts. A full list of donated handwashing

stations and personal protective equipment is included as Annex

II.

TESTIMONIALS OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE DONATION CEREMONY

The head physician of the health center explained in Tenenkou, “The disease is real and is

spreading, rapidly. Only barrier measures can prevent it. Our concern is to save lives even in

public places. This donation will effectively serve to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in

public places.”

According to a woman leader, “We have been wanting to fight the COVID-19 for three

months. Unfortunately, our means are limited. The reliability on partners has become

increasingly rare because of insecurity. Today we received these stations from Mali PSR. It is a

great relief.”

In Tessit, during the weekly market where there are traders from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger,

the town crier during the distribution in the market sang out, “Washing our hands regularly

20 Mopti, Konna, Bandiagara, Markala, Agouni, Soboundou, Bourem Inaly, Djenne, Douentza, Soni Ali Ber, Bankass, Kidal,

Tessalit, Timbuktu, and Dire.

An administrative official using one of the

handwashing stations donated by PSR.


24

with soap, respecting social distances, wearing a mask are gestures that will save us. So, let us

protect ourselves, our families, and our loved ones.”

The village chief of Touwal, Mr Sidna Ali Ould Baba Ahmed, stated, “Every day we hear that the

Timbuktu regional hospital is full of people infected by COVID-19. Our traders cannot

therefore travel to this region to buy supplies. So please understand all my satisfaction to

welcome the first project that has donated handwashing stations and conducted sensitization

sessions.”

Hamadoun Dicko, the Mayor of Youwarou commune opined, “At the beginning of the

pandemic, many people did not believe this disease existed. But, after the first cases of COVID-

19, people started to wear masks.”

In Ansongo, the Mayor stated, “During difficult situations, people recognize their friends. Mali

PSR continued to give assistance to our commune to promote peace, social cohesion, and health. We thank USAID for funding this project.”

The Ouattagouna Sub-prefect stated, “It is certain that these handwashing stations will be useful

for our commune. I would like to point out that these are the first ones received by our

commune. We sincerely thank USAID and Mali PSR.”

A woman who received a mask added, “I thought that my [dark] skin would protect me from

the disease. Now, I know that anyone can catch this disease. Thank you for the awareness and

with the mask I protect myself and my family.”

Strengthening health services

During the quarter, the program team convened a meeting with the regional Ministries of Health,

COVID-19 focal points and/or Directors of Regional Health Delegations in Timbuktu, Mopti,

Menaka and Gao to provide a briefing about Mali PSR’s Rapid Response activities. During the

meeting, discussions focused on the proposed Strengthening Social Services activities and

specifically how the program can obtain leadership, buy-in, and alignment with Mali’s One Health

Platform. The main objective in strengthening social services activities is to support the non-

health related capacity of community health workers and civil society organizations to address

the mitigation efforts and impact of COVID-19.

Timbuktu Mini-Response Plan

In response to a soaring number of COVID-19

cases in Timbuktu, USAID approved a plan for the

region on June 4 for Mali PSR to partner with the

Ministry of Social Affairs to identify needs and

targeted interventions for local leaders to

respond to COVID-19. Mali PSR activated the

following activities aimed at providing support to local commune officials. Activities included: a

radio roundtable to provide accurate information

in local languages; training of 55 community

COVID-19 Insight

When asked why he wears a mask, a 10-year-old

beggar in Savare responded: I wear the mask in town

but hide it when I return home for fear of being

flogged for showing the difference with the other

Talibés. The story of this Talibé illustrates the

social challenges of COVID-19 prevention in Mali.

*Talibé is a boy who studies the Quran and begs.


25

members on COVID-19; and the deployment door-to-door of newly trained community

members to educate residents on how to protect themselves against the Coronavirus.

Launching the Crisis Modifier

On May 19, 2020, Mali PSR submitted a proposal to activate the program’s Crisis Modifier to

address the immediate impact and second order effects of COVID-19 in Mali. On June 2, 2020

Mali PSR received approval to expand its programming to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

in the 46 intervention communes in the North and Center, in the district of Bamako, and the

regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, and Sikasso in the south of the country. Under the Crisis Modifier,

Mali PSR added a 4th Objective: Impact of COVID-19 and the associated second order effects

on Malian communities mitigated.

During the quarter, the following activities were undertaken to launch activities under the Crisis

modifier:

• Conducted a desk review mapping of USAID’s Democracy and Governance implementing

partners and their local grantees as possible recipients for expanded COVID-19

programming in the south of the country.

• Awarded a grant to a youth coalition for COVID-19 messaging to young people in Sikasso.

• Awarded a grant for COVID-19 messaging in Internally Displaced Persons camps in

Bamako.

• Issued solicitations for the Crisis Modifier baseline surveys and developed the draft survey

questions.

As part of its enlarged scope of work under the Crisis Modifier, Mali PSR was designated to

lead the COVID-19 Secondary Effects Working Group which brings together all government

agencies and donor partners to discuss coordination of COVID-19 programs and to identify

priority areas of need.

VII. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In addition to the regular monitoring of

planned Year 2 activities, the Monitoring and

Evaluation (M&E) Manager travelled to Mopti

to supervise the newly hired field-based M&E

Officer and support quality data collection

for the first activities under the program’s

COVID-19 rapid response. These activities

included peer-to-peer messaging on Radio

Saghan in Mopti, followed by the hand

washing stations demonstrations by CEC

members and local authorities in Sevare from

May 6 to 10. Additionally, on May 7 and 8,

Mali’s Government Coronavirus Focal Point,

Dr. Dramane Samake, of the Sominé Dolo

Hospital in Mopti, was the guest of Baroni, a very popular program of Radio Jamana, which is

A taping of Radio Jamana broadcast


26

broadcast daily between 8 am and 12 noon in

Bamanakan. During the broadcast, Dr. Samake

discussed the importance of protective

measures and the dangerous skepticism that

questioned the very existence of COVID-19.

This call-in program provided space to air peer-

to-peer messages and most importantly, it

provided the opportunity to deliver accurate

facts about the virus, information about the

various symptoms of the virus, what were

minimal protective measures and gestures, and

the importance of social distancing. Dr. Samake also de-bunked popular social media

disinformation that high temperatures in Africa prevents COVID-19. To ensure diversity in

messaging, messengers were representative of a number of peer groups, and, peer-to-peer

messages were accurate based on scientific facts and guidance provided from the OneHealth Platform. A full list of radio programs is included as Annex III.

Crisis Modifier Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

Mali PSR’s Crisis Modifier Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan was submitted during the

quarter and approved by USAID on June 24.

Following the approval of the Crisis Modifier, Mali PSR issued solicitations for two baseline

studies: one for a face-to-face survey in the 46 program intervention communes in the north and

center regions; the other for a telephone survey in the newly added regions of Kayes, Koulikoro,

Sikasso and the district of Bamako. The surveys will establish baseline measures for key

performance indicators and examine citizens’ perceptions of various issues related to the

COVID-19 pandemic and to governance, conflict, and civic engagement. Surveys topics will

include:

• Awareness of COVID-19 and ability to identify misinformation

• Practice of protective measures and access to handwashing/ masks

• Effect of COVID-19 on livelihoods, economic situation, and gender issues

• Trust in local government, community leaders, and other key actors on COVID-19

response

• Exposure to COVID-19 messaging and use of media and social media

• Participation in Mali PSR activities and awareness of Mali PSR, Creative, USAID, and Mali

PSR partners

• Prevalence of commune conflict and opinions on conflict management in commune

• Perceptions of inter-ethnic relations

• Perceptions of local leadership, service delivery, and civic engagement

• Opinions of ex-combatants and acceptance of their reintegration

• Perceptions of violent extremism and rejection of violent extremist rhetoric

COVID-19 Insight

“The hardest part will be to convince people to

adopt these behaviors which are contrary to the

daily life of our communities. These preventive

measures, as valuable as they may be, are difficult

for nomadic groups, who are very social. Thus, we

will need support to help us convince them.”

Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Cheiyak, CEC president

and vice-president of the communal authorities of

Touwal.

of the communal authorities of Touwal.

Insight

When asked why he wears a mask, a 10-year-old

beggar in Savare responded, “I wear the mask in

town but hide it when I return home for fear of

being flogged for showing the difference with the

other Talibés.” The story of this Talibé illustrates

the social challenges of COVID-19 prevention in

Mali.

*Talibé is a boy who studies the Quran and

begs.


27

As follow up to the 2019 Data Quality Assessment and short-term technical assistance from

Creative’s Washington-based Associate Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning during

Quarter 2, the following performance indicators were modified to align with USAID’s definitions:

• Number of new groups or initiatives created through USG funding, dedicated to resolving

the conflict or the drivers of the conflict (Output, Standard USG PS.6.2-1)

• Number of USG-supported events, trainings, or activities designed to build support for

peace or reconciliation among key actors to the conflict (Output, Standard USG PS.6.2-3)

• Number of USG-funded events, trainings, or activities designed to build support for peace

or reconciliation on a mass scale (Output, Standard USG PS.6.2-2)

• Number of people participating in USG-supported events, trainings, or activities designed

to build mass support for peace and reconciliation (Output, Standard USG PS.6.2-4)

• Number of local women participating in a substantive role or position in a peacebuilding

process supported with USG assistance (Output, Standard USG GNDR-10)

• Number of adjusted PDSECs or new PDSEC elaborations that address findings from

FRAMe® analysis (Outcome, Custom)

• Number of individuals receiving civic education through USG-assisted programs (Output,

Standard USG DR.3.2-5)

• Number of youths at risk of violence trained in social or leadership skills through USG

assisted programs (YOUTH-1)

At Mali PSR’s request, USAID approved the removal of the following indicators that no longer

align with the current context of the program:

• Number of peace-building structures established or strengthened with USG assistance

that engage conflict-affected citizens in peace and/or reconciliation process (Output,

USAID Mali PMP)

• Number of ex-combatants who receive support and resources from CSO grantees (Output, Custom)

This quarter’s Performance Indicator Tracking Table is attached as Annex VIII.

VIII. GRANTS

Grants remained a critical component of Mali PSR programming to supplement activities that

are implemented directly by the program. Grants to civil society organizations and community-

based associations enabled Mali PSR to begin assisting communes to carry out

recommendations issued by community members who participated in direct activities. For

example, grants to the Groupe de Réflexion et d'Actions Patriotiques pour le Développement and the

Orchestre Kanaga de Mopti sought to facilitate dialogue mechanisms between youth and their

communities while providing opportunities for young people to lead civic engagement activities.

Muso Ni Baara’s grant enabled the organization to bring together village chiefs, religious leaders,

youth and women leaders to develop conflict prevention and mitigation strategies in the 28

villages of Segou. Association Sahel Espoir used its grant to carry out key recommendations from

farmer-herder dialogues to disseminate accurate information on the Pastoral Charter and the

Agricultural Orientation Law in local languages on community radio stations, and, identify

resources for resolving land disputes in the commune. In order to accompany Mali PSR direct


28

support for citizen input and participation in the PDSEC process, Derhane is implementing an

online vlog targeting citizens with disabilities.

By the end of the quarter, USAID had approved fifty (50) grants for a total value of $305,925.

Of the grants approved, Mali PSR awarded forty-one (41) grants in the amount of $273,198.

Nine organizations preferred to delay the start of implementation until quarter 4. These nine

(9) grants total value $32,727. A list of the grants approved during the quarter are included as

Annex V.

IX. OPERATIONS

At the onset the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Mali PSR immediately pivoted its operations to

adhere to the mandated, protective health measures issued by the Government of Mali on

March 18, 2020. Measures included:

• The suspension of commercial flights from the countries concerned, except for cargo

flights

• The closure of public, private, and religious schools;

• The suspension of all public gatherings, including workshops, symposia, seminars,

meetings in excess of 50 people;

• The banning of social activities including sports, cultural and political events until further

notice.

As a result of these government directives and the desire to minimize exposure to the program

team, Mali PSR staff were authorized to work from home until further notice, effective March

23, 2020.

To support the telework stipulation, the following measures were put into place:

• Provision of additional telephone credit for staff to access the internet.

• Full staff access to all of Creative's communication technologies, including, but not

limited to, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

• Relocation of desktop computers in homes to facilitate teleworking.

• Limiting to 10 the number of individuals present when office work is required.

• Equipping all co-located offices with hydroalcoholic gel. The main office in Bamako was

provided with hand cleaning equipment, masks, and gloves;

• Reducing the number of participants per activity, requiring implementation over multiple

days in order to respect social distancing measures in force.

• Including the cost of handwashing stations, gloves, and masks for all Mali PSR directly

implemented face to face activities;

• The revision of grants agreements to incorporate the purchase of masks, gloves, and

handwashing stations in budgets.

• Limit the number of individuals to three (3) in program vehicles, requiring car rental

when four or more staff have to travel.

• Disinfection of vehicles after each usage.


29

Despite the requisite adjustments in general operations caused by COVID-19, Mali PSR

commenced recruitment of the following approved positions under the approved Crisis

Modifier:

• COVID-19 Director (Bamako)

• Grants Assistant (Bamako)

• Finance Assistant (Bamako)

• Driver (Bamako)

• Grant Development Officer (Bamako)

• Grant Development Officer (Tombouctou)

• Grant Development Officer (Mopti)

• Senior M&E Manager (Bamako)

• Finance Administrator (Bamako)

• Health Communications Specialist (Bamako)

• Grant Development Officer (Gao)

• Community Outreach Coordinator (Bamako)

Doing No Harm

To ensure that safety measures were followed in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, Mali

PSR limited its face-to-face activities to approximately 30 participants each day. This meant that

the program activities had to be implemented over several days. While staggering implementation

in small groups allowed adherence to prevention directives, it was time consuming and increased

the cost of venue rental, and facilitators/trainers. The need for handwashing stations, hydro-

alcoholic gel, masks and gloves also added to increased costs for all Mali PSR directly implemented

and grant-funded face-to-face activities.

XI. COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIP

Sequencing, Layering and Integration

During the quarter, Sequencing, Layering and Integration examined through the findings of the

intersectoral analysis and combined with the commune classification led to programmatic

interventions that responded to communes’ sociopolitical context. In Bankass, Mopti, Konna, and

Tongue, for example, where armed groups and self-defense militias are present, Mali PSR built

on the newly-acquired skills of teachers trained on P/CVE to organize community dialogues to

identify joint actions by teachers, parents, and other influential persons to address violent

extremism. Participants at the dialogues made the following recommendations for joint actions:

• Inform and sensitize communities on the threats of violent extremism;

• Initiate activities that can promote forgiveness between communities;

• Initiate cultural activities to encourage the communities to value the customs of their commune;

• Support local initiatives for youth employment;

• Establish dialogue between the youth and traditional and administrative authorities;

• Sensitize youth and their families to value the customs of their commune;


30

• Strengthen youth education within the family as well as in school to avoid bad behavior;

• Create opportunities for youth to avoid idleness and risk of enrolment;

• Implement awareness-raising activities.

Under its #MaliYouth2Youth activity, the program awarded grants to beneficiaries of other

USAID implementing partners, namely Voices4Peace Tech Camp graduates and Civic Engagement

Program Jeunes Collecteurs de Données; and Young African Leaders Initiative, leveraging on US

Government past investment to engage youth in early warning and response on COVID-19.

As a follow-on to the initial discussions for integrating rights-based advocacy and access to justice programming during Quarter 2, Mali PSR disseminated the ICAF-FRAMe intersectoral findings to

the local partners of Community Empowerment Program (CEP) and the Mali Justice Program.

Conducting envisioned workshops for the local partners on the intersectoral findings was not

possible during the reporting period due to pivoting under COVID-19. However, Mali PSR

Technical Leads will provide online technical assistance when needed as the newly hired Grants

Development Officers work with the local partners to develop grant activities which expand

advocacy and access to justice initiatives

XI. LESSONS LEARNED

Implementation of COVID-19 Response

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an

opportunity to explore alternative means

for programming where face-to-face

activities were not possible. Activities

requiring more time for implementation

and that were higher costs in order to

adhere to COVID-19 guidance were put on

hold and other activities were held with a

reduced number of participants per event

All in-person activities respected social

distancing requirements and the program

pivoted most of its efforts to address

information needs on COVID-19 through slam poetry, radio programs, and social media. These

mediums were essential to disseminating rapid messages to Mali’s population rather than through

face-to-face community meetings.

The program’s approach with placing youth, women and local leaders at the helm of Mali PSR’s

COVID-19 response fostered a strong collaboration between these target groups. This approach

also enabled local authorities to develop stronger relationships with their constituents and

enhanced credibility in their communes. Youth and women’s agencies were enhanced through

their leadership of COVID-19 messaging to their peers and by working with the commune leaders

to conduct hand washing demonstrations. Youth and women have been and will remain at the

forefront as avant-garde leaders for the program’s COVID-19 activities ranging from placing

Women going door-to-door providing accurate information on COVID-19


31

handwashing stations in public places, distributing masks, going door-to-door to provide accurate

information, and delivering accurate, reliable public health messages.

XII. SUCCESS STORIES

See the attached Annex IX for this quarter’s success story.

XIII. KEY ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER

Quarter 4 of Year 2 of Mali PSR represents a pivoted integration of regular programming and

accelerated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rapid Response and Crisis Modifier implementation.

Anchoring the transition are the following key activities envisioned for the last quarter of Year 2:

• Develop and pilot an Early Warning Early Response (EWER) strategy and identify the

appropriate actors to interface with the system in select communes;

• Disseminate the ICAF and FRAMe® intersectoral analysis to the local Community

Empowerment Program (CEP) partners in the 10 communes where Mali PSR and CEP

overlap. On-line meetings will be held in place of face-to-face to discuss the FRAMe®

findings and to promote that findings be integrated into rights-based advocacy initiatives;

• Contribute to joint efforts by USAID partners (CEP partners specifically), to support

robust citizen participation in the development of the Plan de Developpement Social,

Economic, et Culturel (PDSEC);

• Train aspiring youth entrepreneurs in enterprise development training for start-up grants

to facilitate their inclusion in COVID-19 messaging and response activities;

• Develop a White Paper that analyzes how conflict and governance are being impacted by

COVID-19 and its outlying impact on the GoM Stabilization, Development and Security

Plans for the North and Center;

• Launch a multi-pronged public information communications campaign through Moonshot

that includes a disinformation tracking and the development of accurate messages on

COVID-19 to counter dis and mis information.


32

Annex I: Quarter 3 FY2020 Summary of Program Activities and Targets Reached

Activity Communes Number of

Men

Number of

Women

Number of

Youth21

Conflict Prevention and

Management Training Soni Ali Ber 19 7 4

Anderamboukane 22 3 5

Ansongo 19 4 7

Djenne 14 6 3

Tessit 19 7 4

Forum on reintegration and

reconciliation Timbuktu 12 12 6

Dire 14 8 8

Goundam 20 5 5

Soboundou 16 7 7

Ber 17 13 5

Agouni 23 3 5

Macina 55 16 14

Niono 12 3 5

Bandiagara 20 3 2

Ouenkoro 11 6 5

Sharing experience on VE Konna 2 6 5

Tongue 18 4 2

Bankass 10 8 4

Djenne 13 5 2

Mopti 11 5 2

Youth advocacy training Markala 5 1 19

Macina 4 1 20

21 Youth include young men and women ages 18 – 29 years old.


33

Annex II: List OF Mali PSR Health and Personal Protective Equipment Donations

# Communes Handwashing stations Gels Soap Masks Gloves

(pairs)

Qty Locations

Liquid Bar

1 Mopti 5 Health center (2); mosques (2); church. 8 8 0 70 900

2 Konna 5 Health center (2); mosques (2); Town Hall. 8 8 0 70 900

3 Bandiagara 5. Mosque; bus station; health center; Church; Town Hall. 10 10 0 60 0

4 Markala 3 Youth Center, the Maison de la femme; Town Hall. 3 3 0 25 0

5 Bankass 5 Bus station; health center; Town Hall; market; a medersa. 7 5 0 48 250

6 Djenné 5 Health center (2); mosques (2); Town Hall. 8 8 0 70 900

7 Douentza 5 Health center (2); mosques (2); church. 8 8 0 70 900

8 Tongué 4 Health center; Town Hall; Mosque; CEC 4 4 0 40 0

9 Macina 4 Health center; mosque; CEC; Town Hall 4 4 0 50 100

10 Matomo 5 Town Hall; Health center (2); CEC; school. 10 10 0 0 250

11 Ségué 5 CAFO; church; Town Hall; mosque; health center. 5 5 0 100 250

12 Niono 5 Mosque; CAFO; youth center; village chief; CEC. 10 10 0 0 250

13 Ouenkoro 5 CAFO; church; Town Hall; mosque; health center. 5 5 0 100 250

14 Tenenkou 5 Youth center; mosque (2); schools (2). 10 10 0 100 250

15 Youwarou 5 Mosque (2); Town Hall; school; health center. 10 10 0 100 250

16 Ségou 5 Mosque; school (2); market; Church. 10 10 0 100 0

17 Gao 5 Town Hall; Home of people with disability; youth center;

schools (2).

10 0 140 0 0

18 Kidal 5 Health Center; market; health posts of villages of Intadeyni,

Tadayite and Imagha.

10 0 96 0 0

19 Tessalit 5 Mosque; town entrance; markets (2); health center 10 0 96 10 0


34

20 Anefif 5 Health posts of Imboguitene, Taboraq, Teknewene,

Tindarane villages; Municipal Youth Council.

24 30 0 0 0

21 Ansongo 5 Town Hall; schools (2); bus station; market. 15 0 140 60 0

22 Menaka 5 Mosque; Town Hall; markets; school. 15 0 140 60 0

23 Tessit 5 Mosque; town entrance; market; health center; Town hall. 15 0 140 60 0

24 Bamba 5 Health Center; markets (2); Town Hall; Municipal Youth

Council.

15 0 140 60 0

25 Bourem 5 Mosque; Town Hall; health center; youth center; main

entrance.)

15 0 140 60 0

26 Soni Ali Ber 5 Town hall; health center; school; market; bus station. 15 0 140 60 0

27 Ouatgouna 5 Town Hall; health center (3); school. 15 0 140 60 0

28 Agouni 3 Mosque, health center; Koranic school.22 12 8 0 120 150

29 Bourem-Inaly 5 Mosque, market, youth center; maison de femmes; Town

Hall.

5 5 0 120 150

30 Soboundou 4 Mosque; prison; Prefect’s office; Town Hall. 8 8 0 120 150

31 Tombouctou 6 Mosques (2); markets (3). 100 30 0 120 150

32 Dire 4 Markets (2); bus station; boat station. 8 8 0 120 150

33 Achamour 3 Water point; meeting tent; Koranic school. 12 8 0 120 150

34 Goundam 6 Mosque; Haribanda roundabout; bus station; Amirou Hama

main road; markets (2).

12 18 0 250 0

35 Ber 4 Health Center; Town Hall; Mosque; Maison de femmes. 8 8 0 120 0

36 Touwal 3 Mosque; water point; Koranic school. 11 11 0 120 150

37 Tombouctou

(the mini

plan)

10 Schools (5); association with people living with disability;

municipal stadium; Town Hall; maison de femmes; market.

10 12 0 220 0

TOTAL 174 465 264 1312 2863 6500

22 Informal institutions which provide basic instruction in Islamic religion.


35

Annex III: List of Radio Programs

Commune Duration in minutes Radio(s) Type of Program

Goundam 90 Jimba, Hondou and Télé Roundtable

Soboundou 120 Kololsoboundou and Issaber Roundtable

Timbuktu (mini

plan) 90 Jamana, Lafia and Bouctou Roundtable

Bourem-Inaly 90 Alafia Roundtable

Timbuktu 12 Jamana Peer-to-Peer messaging

Soboundou 60 Issa Ber Roundtable

Gao 90 Naata Roundtable

Ansongo 60 Coton Roundtable

Bourem 60 Foghas, Naneye, Communautaire,

Aadar and Humanitaire, Roundtable

Tessit 60 Adouf Roundtable

Menaka 60 Aadar Roundtable

Soni Ali Ber 90 Naata Roundtable

Bamba 60 Coton/Zan Zan Roundtable

Anefif 60 Azawad Roundtable

Kidal 60 Tisdas Roundtable

Tessalit 60 Tarawat Roundtable


36

Youwarou 30 Dounia and Dande Deboye Roundtable

Mopti 60 Jamana Roundtable

Badiangara 30 Kanda Roundtable

Bankass 60 Seno Roundtable

Koro 60 Horona Roundtable

Tenenkou 30 Beldeldo-Horé Roundtable

Diré 12 Bingha Peer-to-Peer messaging

Markala 12 Baidie Peer-to-Peer messaging

Matomo 12 Voix des Jeunes de Saye Peer-to-Peer messaging

Tongué 12 Nieta Peer-to-Peer messaging

Ségou 12 Balanzan Peer-to-Peer messaging

Macina 12 Radio Communautaire Peer-to-Peer messaging

Mopti 12 Sangha Peer-to-Peer messaging

Djenné 12 Jamana Peer-to-Peer messaging

Konna 12 Jiguissi Peer-to-Peer messaging

Youwarou 12 Dounia and Dande Deboye Peer-to-Peer messaging


37

Douentza 12 Dande Peer-to-Peer messaging

Tenenkou 12 Beldeldo-Horé Peer-to-Peer messaging

Badiangara 12 Kanda Peer-to-Peer messaging

Bankass 12 Seno Peer-to-Peer messaging

Koro 12 Horona Peer-to-Peer messaging

Segue 12 Seno Peer-to-Peer messaging


38

Annex IV: Mali PSR Commune Classification

Region Cercle Commune Score

03/2020

Status

03/2020

Score

06/

2020

Status

06/2020 Key events

Mopti Bandiagara Bandiagara 14 Conflict 15 Buffer

• 22 security incidents linked to shootings,

murder and Improvised Explosive Devices

(IEDs).

• Some social services provided in town.

• Presence of 200 IDPs from villages in the

nearby communes.

• Risk of famine due to attacks and

intimidation on farmers.

• Breakdown of social fabric between

Dogon and Peulh ethnic groups.

• Destruction of bridges slowed down the

movement of people, activities of NGOs

and provision of state technical services.

Mopti Bankass Bankass 17 Buffer 19 Buffer

• Cases of robberies, cattle theft and

intimidation prevented farmers and

traders from farming or going to the

market.

• Presence of armed groups.

• Over 950 persons displaced towards the

town of Bankass, the commune of

Dougoutène 2 or Segou and Bamako.

• Delivery of basic social services limited to the town of Bankass and some villages.

• The functioning of the state authorities is

intermittent.

Mopti Bankass Ouenkoro 14 Conflict 14 Conflict • Recurrent attacks from the Burkina

border.


39

• Main roads occupied by the Dozos or

armed groups.

• A truck leaving for Bamako via the

Burkinabe border was intercepted by the

Burkinabe Dozos, who killed 12 Peuhls.

• Basic social services difficult to deliver.

• The state representatives who are not

native of the commune have vacated.

• Fear and mistrust among the

communities.

Mopti Bankass Segue 14 Buffer 14 Conflict

• Attack in the village of Ogotagama

resulted in 11 deaths, missing persons,

cattle abduction and property damage.

Some IDPs moved to the village of Segue.

• Intimidation in the villages of Digni and

Dom by armed groups demanding people

not to farm.

• Delivery of basic services and state

authorities in the capital of the commune,

but insufficient in some villages.

Mopti Djenné Djenné 23 Resilient 26 Resilient

• Absence of open conflict.

• No presence of armed groups.

• Presence of the State and delivery of services throughout the commune.

• Meetings held regularly in the commune,

and in all 11 villages.

Mopti Djenné Togue-Mourari 10 Conflict 10 Conflict

• Controlled by armed groups.

• Closure of schools.

• Absence of the administration, and of

security and defense forces.

• No presence of a state and NGO.


40

• Absent Sub-prefect has not visited for

more than 3 years.

Mopti Douentza Douentza 17 Buffer 18 Buffer

• Presence of state technical services.

• Meetings are held in the capital commune.

• Presence of armed groups linked to

targeted attacks, IED and cattle thefts.

Mopti Koro Dinangourou 11 Conflict 11 Conflict

• The delivery of services is almost non-

existent.

• The Mayor, the Sub-prefect and even the

communal councilors reside in Koro.

• Frequent attacks, IED and intimidation led

to massive population displacements in

Burkina, Koro or Bamako.

• The Sub-prefect and his team drove on a

mine and died.

• Armed groups controlled the commune.

Mopti Koro Dioungani 11 Conflict 11 Conflict

• Delivery of services almost non-existent

• The Mayor, the Sub-prefect and

communal councilors reside in Koro.

• Frequent attacks leading to massive

displacement.

• Controlled by armed groups.

Mopti Koro Koro 11 Conflict 12 Conflict

• Conflicts are open and violent

• Presence of armed groups causing the

displacement of IDPs. This has made

delivery of services (health, schools,

water...) difficult in these areas.

• Sporadic clashes between hunters

(Dozos) and armed groups despite the

presence of the security and defense

forces.


41

• Dozos provide security to communities

but are accused of committing abuses.

• The villages of Anakaga, Kenewe,

Seguebengou and Ogodouroukoun

received threats from armed groups to

vacate the area, causing displacement in

the town of Koro.

• State presence in the capital commune

and not in the villages.

Mopti Mopti Konna 14 Conflict 14 Conflict

• Clashes between the national army and

armed groups.

• Attempted imposition of Sharia law.

• State presence and delivery of basic social

services in the commune capital but not in

the villages.

• Closure of schools and health centers.

• Presence of the army.

• Meetings held only in the commune’s

capital.

• Some religious leaders fearing for their

lives moved to the capital commune

and/or to Sevaré.

• Bozo fishermen subject to attacks bought

arms to retaliate.

Mopti Mopti Mopti 19 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Conflicts are open but not violent.

• Presence of armed groups and self-defense

militias and in neighboring communes.

• Presence of state in the Mopti commune

but not in flooded areas such as Bienville

and Dienékadaga.

• Basic social services provided in Mopti but

not in some villages.


42

Mopti Ténenkou Tenenkou 18 Buffer 18 Buffer

• Absence of some state services such as

justice.

• Impracticability of some roads due to

insecurity. Thus, the longer Ségou -Macina

– Tenenkou is recommended.

Mopti Youwarou Youwarou 15 Buffer 18 Buffer

• Presence of the national army in town.

• State services such as justice are absent.

• Difficult access to some villages due to the

presence of armed groups who often

kidnapped NGO workers.

Ségou Macina Macina 20 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Attack on the city's security post.

• Presence of armed groups in the Komara

village and in the border area between

Macina and Diafarabé.

Ségou Macina Matomo 17 Buffer 17 Buffer

• Dozos continued to provide security.

• IDPs began to return to their villages.

• Circulation of motorbikes remained

prohibited from dawn to dust in order to

control returnees and prevent armed

groups infiltration.

Ségou Macina Tongue 20 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Latent conflicts resulting from abuses by

the Dozos who reportedly act as the

State, by delivering justice decisions

and/or levying illegal taxes.

Ségou Niono Diabaly 12 Conflict 12 Conflict

• Attack of national army in Bouka-Wèrè,

killing 24 soldiers.

• Limited delivery of basic social services.

• Presence of armed groups and risks of

attacks prevented the communities from farming despite the rainy season.

Ségou Niono Niono 14 Conflict 15 Buffer • Collaboration between security, defense

forces and populations improved.


43

• Gradual delivery of basic social services.

• Dozos act as justice despite the presence

of the national army.

Ségou Segou Segou 26 Resilient 26 Resilient • Presence of state.

• Delivery of basic social services.

• Absence of conflicts and armed groups.

Ségou Segou Pelengana 24 Resilient 24 Resilient

Ségou Segou Markala 23 Resilient 23 Resilient

Gao Ansongo Ansongo 19 Buffer 19 Buffer

• Presence of national army and foreign

troops.

• Presence and delivery of basic social

services in the 6 villages but absent in the

two fractions23.

• Intermittent attacks by armed groups.

Gao Ansongo Tessit 18 Buffer 18 Buffer

• Delivery of basic social services is not

provided.

• Meetings are held.

• Absence of national and international

troops such as Barkhane, G5Sahel and

MINUSMA.

Gao Ansongo Ouattagouna 13 Conflict 13 Conflict

• Recurrent attacks and murders.

• Presence of groups that impose the

payment of dime/zakat24 in some villages.

• Non-delivery of basic social services

• 15 villages and fractions out of 22 are

controlled by armed groups.

• The Mayor returned to the commune.

Gao Bourem Bourem 19 Buffer 21 Buffer • Attacks against the national army by

armed groups.

23 Nomadic administrative entity. 24 Mandatory payment made annually under Islamic law on certain kinds of assets.


44

• Presence of state services.

• Meetings are held.


Gao Bourem Tarkint 12 Conflict 13 Conflict

• Attacks by armed groups on national and

international troops.

• Basic social services are not delivered.

• Meetings are difficult to hold for fear of

being attacked or kidnapped

• Presence of the national army only in the

commune’s capital.

• Difficult access for actors and partners.

• Atmosphere of fear and mistrust between

communities, making contact and/or

dialogue difficult.

Gao Bourem Bamba 20 Buffer 19 Buffer

• Attacks by armed groups.

• Basic social services are provided.

• The Sub-prefect resides in Bourem

• The meetings are held regularly.

Gao Gao Gao 24 Resilient 24 Resilient

• No open conflicts.

• Presence of national and international

troops.

• Presence of state services.

Gao Gao Sony Aliber 24 Resilient 22 Resilient

• Presence of the Mayor and Prefect.

• Delivery of basic social services

• Absence of armed groups.

Kidal Kidal Kidal 20 Buffer 21 Buffer

• Latent conflicts

• Commune is under the control of the

Coordination of the Azawad Movements,

signatory to the Algiers Peace Agreement.

• Basic social services, especially education,

are not functioning.


45

Kidal Kidal Essouk 20 Buffer 19 Buffer

• Recurrent attacks by armed groups.

• Absence of basic social services.

• The Mayor resides in Kidal.

Kidal Kidal Anéfif 20 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Lack of basic social services.

• The Mayor and the Sub-prefect reside in

Kidal.

• Self-defense groups ensure the security of

people and their property.

Kidal Tessalit Tessalit 21 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Armed groups, signatory of the Algiers

Peace Agreement ensured the security of

the people and their property but also

levied illegal taxes and duties on traders.

• Presence of armed groups.

Ménaka Andéramboukane Andéramboukane 15 Buffer 14 Conflict

• Targeted murders.

• Attack on the border with Niger resulted

in 34 deaths in Chinagoder and displaced

1,200 people to Tamalatt and Inchinanen

villages.

• Presence of armed groups that impose the

payment of dime/zakat in some villages.

• Delivery of basic social services in the

town and not in villages.

• Absence of national and foreign troops.

• Presence of self-defense groups

• Difficult access to the commune due to

risk of being robbed and/or vehicles

abducted.

Ménaka Tidermène Alata 16 Buffer 14 Conflict

• Risk of burglary on main roads.

• The mayor and the prefect do not reside

in the commune.

• Basic social services are not delivered.


46

• Self-defense groups provide security for

people and their property.

• Access to the commune is very difficult.

Ménaka Menaka Menaka 21 Buffer 20 Buffer

• Presence of armed groups (villages of

Akabar Tabankorte Infoukaretane and

Ighazran Nakh, are outside the control of

the State).

• Presence of the prefect, sub-prefect,

governor and other state services.

• Basic social services not provided to some

villages.

• Fear and mistrust due to growing banditry

targeting NGOs and state services.

Taoudénit Bou-Djebeha Agouni 14 Conflict 16 Buffer

• Intermittent presence of armed groups

• Coordination of Azawad movements,

signatory to the Peace Agreement ensured

the security of people and their property.

• The Mayor is represented in the

commune by the President of the interim

communal authorities who reside in

Timbuktu.

• No state presence

Taoudénit Al-Ourche Touwal N/A Conflict 15 Buffer

• Attacks by armed groups.

• Safety is provided by the Platform,

signatory to the Algiers Peace Agreement.

• Basic social services, such as health are

provided by a local NGO.

• The Mayor is represented in the

commune by the President of the interim

communal authorities who reside in

Timbuktu.

• No state presence.


47

Taoudénit Araounae Achamour N/A Conflict 19 Buffer

• Attacks and robberies.

• Lack of delivery of basic social services.

• 3 out of 4 villages and fractions of the

commune are controlled by armed groups

• The presidents of the interim communal

authorities as well as the Prefect of the

Boujbeha circle reside in Timbuktu.

Timbuktu Diré Diré 16 Buffer 16 Buffer

Timbuktu Goundam Goundam 22 Resilient 22 Resilient

• The Mayor resides in Goundam but not

the Prefect.

• National and international troops ensure

the safety of property and people.

• The commune is always accessible.

Timbuktu Niafunké Soboundou 13 Conflict 14 Conflict

• Attacks, abductions and other

intimidation.

• The Mayor and the Prefect reside in the

commune.

• Basic social services are not provided in

53 out of 54 villages.

• Meetings are impossible to hold for fear of

being assaulted or kidnapped by jihadists.

• The national army ensures the security of

goods and people only in the commune’s

capital.

• Freedom of movement is restricted in

some villages.

Timbuktu Timbuktu Bourem Inaly 22 Resilient Buffer

• The Mayor and the Prefect reside in Timbuktu.

• Basic social services are provided in some

villages.

• Meetings are impossible to hold for fear of

being assaulted or kidnapped


48

• Absence of the national army and

intermittent presence of the French

Barkhane force.

Timbuktu Timbuktu Timbuktu 27 Resilient 27 Resilient


commune.

• Absence of armed groups.


• Presence of national and international

troops who ensure the security of people

and their property.

• Access to the commune is possible.

Timbuktu Timbuktu Ber 20 Buffer 19 Buffer


commune.

• Intermittent presence of armed groups

• Basic social services are not provided in

some villages

• Presence of MINUSMA and armed groups,

signatories to the Peace Agreement

provide security to people and their

property.

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It

was prepared by Creative Associates International for the Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and

Reconciliation project, contract number 720-688-18-C-00002.

USAID Point of Contact: Andrew Greer, COR, [email protected]

Prime Partner: Creative Associates International

Activity Name: Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and Reconciliation

Contract #: 720-688-18-C-00002

Annex V: List of Approved Grants

No. Grantee(s) Location

Implementation

Status

#MaliYouth2 Youth Bloggers – Communications Campaign

1 Fanta Diaw Bamako Starting in July 2020

2 Fatoumata Bengaly Bamako Starting in July 2020

3 Salif Sarré Bamako Starting in July 2020

4 Garba Dia Bamako Starting in July 2020

5 Zoumana Dembele Bamako Starting in July 2020

6 Med Maiga Bamako Starting in July 2020

7 Daouda Coulibaly Segou Starting in July 2020

8 Famory Oumar Keita Segou Starting in July 2020

9 Idrissa Goro Segou Starting in July 2020

10 Sekou Coulibaly Segou Starting in July 2020

11 Aly Baba Coulibaly Mopti Starting in July 2020

12 Barnabas Guindo Mopti Starting in July 2020

13 Aboubacar Touré Mopti Starting in July 2020

14 Hamidou Niapogou Mopti Starting in July 2020

15 Ogobaye Herman Guindo Mopti Starting in July 2020

16 Kola Amadou Bah Mopti Starting in July 2020

17 Koumbeli Diaw Mopti Starting in July 2020

18 Mohamadou Kouma Mopti Starting in July 2020

19 Moussa Kondo Mopti Starting in July 2020

20 Oumar Niangaly Mopti Starting in July 2020

21 Abdramane Abdoulaye Tombouctou Starting in July 2020

22 Soumaila Alidji Tombouctou Starting in July 2020

23 Younissou Cisse Tombouctou Starting in July 2020

24 Mohamed Moussa Gao Starting in July 2020

25 Ali Ibrahim Maiga Gao Starting in July 2020

Slam Poetry Messaging


2

26 Sory Diakite Mali PSR Communes Completed

Civil Society Organizations and Community Associations

27 Muso Ni Baara Segou Ongoing

28 Association Sahel Espoir Segou Ongoing

29 AMDH Segou Ongoing

30 Groupe de Réflexion et d'Actions Patriotiques

pour le Développement Mopti Ongoing

31 Orchestre KANAGA de Mopti Mopti Ongoing

32

Reference pour l’Environnement, la Santé,

l’Éducation, la Recherche pour le

Développement du Mali

Mopti Ongoing

33 ADEL Sahel Mopti Ongoing

34 Association des Jeunes Animateurs et

Journalistes du Cercle de Goundam Tombouctou Ongoing

35

Association sourire d'enfants, paix, vivre

ensemble, cohésion sociale, Protection et

développement

Tombouctou Ongoing

36 Centre d’Appui au Développement Intégré au

Sahel Gao Ongoing

37 Derhane Mali PSR target

communes Ongoing

38 Association de Soutien aux Initiatives

Communautaires Segou Not yet started

39 Association ALASSAL Gao Not yet started

40 ONG-HED-Tamat Gao Not yet started

41 Association Malienne d’Aide aux Femmes et

Enfants Déshérités (AMAFED) Gao Not yet started

42 Cooperative Afus-Dafus Gao Not yet started

43 ONG DADESA Gao Not yet started

44 L'Association des Prédicateurs pour la

Préservation de l'Unité et la Paix sociale Mopti Not yet started

45 Association pour la Promotion de

l’Environnement et le Développement Durable Mopti Not yet started

46 Association pour la promotion des activités des

femmes à Bandiagara Mopti Not yet started

47

Association des jeunes pour l'assainissement de

l'environnement, la citoyenneté et la protection

des enfants

Mopti Not yet started

48 Association TEMETT

Tombouctou Not yet started

Crisis Modifier COVID-19 Support to Communities


3

49 Consortium ANTI COVID-19

Sikasso Ongoing

50 Association Malienne pour la Solidarité et le

Développement Bamako Ongoing


4

Annex VI: Mapping of Conflict Management Committees

Communes

Does a Conflict

Management

Committee

(CMC) exist in

your commune?

Is the CMC

functional?

Are members of

the CMC or part

of the CEC?

Comments

REGION GAO

Gao Yes Yes Yes

Ansongo Yes Yes Yes

Bourem Yes No No

Soni Ali Ber Yes No Yes

Bamba Yes No Yes

Tessit Yes No Yes

Tarkint No N/A N/A

Ouattagouna No N/A N/A

MENAKA REGION

Ménaka Yes Yes Yes

Known as Équipe des

Personnes Ressources

(EPR)

Anderamboukane Yes Yes Yes



(EPR)

Alata Yes Yes Yes



(EPR)

KIDAL REGION

Kidal Yes Yes Yes

Essouk Yes Yes Yes

Tessalit Yes Yes Yes

Anefif Yes Yes Yes Known as reconciliation

committee

TIMBUKTU REGION

Timbuktu Yes Yes No

Ber Yes Yes Yes

Bourem Inaly Yes Yes No

Soboundou Yes Yes Yes

Dire No N/A N/A

Goundam Yes Yes Yes


5

TAOUDENIT REGION

Agouni No N/A N/A

Achamour Yes Yes

Touwal No N/A N/A

MOPTI REGION

Mopti Yes Yes No

Djenné Yes No No

Konna

Yes Yes Yes



(EPR)

Douentza Yes Yes Yes

Bandiagara Yes Yes No

Youwarou Yes Yes Yes

Tenenkou Yes Yes Yes

Koro Yes Yes Yes

Dinangourou Yes No No

Ouenkoro Yes Yes Yes

Segue Yes Yes No

Bankass Yes Yes Yes

Togue-Mourari Information not available

Diougani Information not available

SEGOU REGION

Markala Yes Yes Yes

Macina Yes Yes Yes

Matomo No N/A N/A

Tongué No N/A N/A

Segou No

Pelengana Yes No Yes

Diabaly Yes No Yes

Niono Yes No Yes


6

Annex VII: Macina Draft Advocacy Plan

Theme Acquisition of a grazing area in the Macina commune and surrounding areas

Goal Promote peace and social cohesion between herders and farmers

Objectives - Identify the root causes of the conflict.

- Facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

- Strengthen social cohesion between parties in conflict

Targeted

audience - Primary audience: Managing Director of the Office du Niger

- Secondary audience: Director of the Office du Niger in Macina

Youth allies for

successful

advocacy

- The Ministry of Social Cohesion and National Reconciliation

- The Prefect of the Macina circle

- The Mayor

- The President of the Circle Council

- A CSO representative

- The President of the Chamber of Agriculture

- The traditional chiefs,

- The media

- The Traditional Communicators’ Network (RECOTRADE) and imams,

- A herder and a farmer

Outputs Activities Ressources Responsible Duration Budget (in

FCFA)

Equip the

committee with

the requisite

conflict

management

skills

Training of the

Mediation

Committee on

Conflict

Management

Trainer CC 2 days 205 000

Establishment of a

committee to

implement and

monitor the

advocacy Plan

Carry out

advocacy

activities

CEC and trained

organizations

1 day 30 000

Meeting with the

Mayor and Circle

Council

Information

collection

President of the

Circle Council, The

Mayor and the Local

1 day 30 000


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Understanding

the root causes

of conflicts

between herders

and farmers

Youth Council

(CCJ)

Meeting with

leaders of the

herders and farmers

Information

collection

The Management

Committee, the

Town Hall, the

Circle Council,

RECOTRADE, the

traditional leaders,

herders and farmers

1 day 50 000

Hold a discussion

on the problem

Information

collection

The President of the

Circle Council, the

Mayor, the CCJ,

herders and farmers,

the village chief, the

local office du Niger

2 days 100 000

Consensus

around grazing

and animal

passage areas

Identification of

grazing areas

Mobilization of

stakeholders

The Prefect, the

Mayor, the village

chief, the farmers

and herders and the

CCJ

10 days 150 000

Delimitation and

consensus meeting

on animal grazing

areas.

Mobilization of

stakeholders

The committee, the

Prefect, the Mayor,

the village chief, the

herder and farmer

representatives and

the CCJ

1 day 50 000

Allocation of an

area by the

Office du Niger

Information-sharing

with Office du Niger

officials.

A meeting The Prefect, the

Mayor, the village

chief, herders and

farmers, CCJ and

the media.

1 day 100 000

Organization of a

radio program

(debate)

Partnership

with a local

radio

Union of breeders

and farmers, the

Prefect and the

Mayor.

1 day 100 000

Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization, and Reconciliation

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