Mali: Ethnic violence in central region March 18-19

Event

Violence between the Fulani and Dogon communities broke out once again in central Mali March 18-19, leaving eight people dead. Most of the fighting took place near the village of Sabéré, 25 km (15 mi) from the town of Koro. Further violence is possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Clashes regularly break out between members of the pastoralist Fulani and agricultural Dogon ethnic groups over land disputes in central Mali. Rates of violence have increased over the past year as ever-scarcer resources make each group more desperate, reinforcing long-standing suspicion and hostility on all sides. Illicit weapons trading in the region and the presence of armed groups linked to the Fulani jihadist preacher Amadou Koufa - with whom Fulani are often accused of collusion by their opponents - make these clashes particularly deadly.

Advice

As the security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the northern and central regions, professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.