Agroup of Tuareg musicians dressed in light blue robes were playing by a campfire that cast dancing shadows on the red sand. A drum and violin accompanied the electric guitars as more people came to watch the band, called Aitma.Every February, the city of Ségou, 140 miles (230km) north of the capital, Bamako, is transformed into Mali’s cultural hub as tens of thousands of people come to enjoy a week-long arts and music festival,Ségou’Art, on the banks of the Niger River.“We are here to meet each other,” said Aitma’s band manager, Mohamed Mitta. “When we share our culture, we remember that we are one people, even if politics divides us.”In 2012, Mitta’s band members fled the northern desert city of Timbuktu with their families toescape the advancing jihadists. Part of the Tuareg population had taken up arms alongside groups linked to al-Qaidato fight for an independent statein northern Mali, as several jihadist groups spread throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, pitting different communities against each other.“When we arrived in Bamako, we met people who had not met people like us – the Tuareg from the north – before,” said Mitta. “That was more than 10 years ago. Theconflictbrought northern and southern Malians into contact with each other.”View image in fullscreenThe famous Malian musician Salif Keita singing at Segou’Art.Photograph: Mohamed Aguissa HamaAlthough Timbuktu is still under a jihadist blockade, most of the band’s family members have returned to the city. But Mitta and his band dare not leave Bamako. “If the jihadists ever occupy the city again, artists will be among the first victims,” he said.In the past four years, three military regimes have come to power in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso through coups born out of frustration with the failure of the French-led military campaign, Operation Barkhane, to contain the spread of jihadist groups in the Sahel. TheFrench withdrew their forces in 2022after nine years of fighting the Islamists.When the Economic Community of West and CentralAfrica(Ecowas) imposed economic and monetary sanctions, and threatened to intervene militarily in Niger to force the juntas to hold elections and restore civilian rule, the three countries came together to form their own bloc: the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).In January, theAES states withdrew from Ecowas, aiming for greater military, economic and cultural sovereignty.View image in fullscreenAn army band playing at the opening of the new Kôrè Museum, which drew ministers from the AES states of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.Photograph: Mohamed Aguissa HamaThe political backdrop added weight to the theme of this year’s festival of “cultural diversity, peace and unity”.The military regimes of the AES states sent a senior delegation of ministers and envoys to the festival, where Col Maj Ismaël Wagué, one of the Malian junta members, told the crowd: “From Mauritania to Chad, our shared culture and diversity can be a binding force if we choose to embrace it.”Mali’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, told visitors at the opening of the new Kôrè museum in Ségou: “Just as the European Union works toward a common identity to prevent disintegration, we too see the importance of this for the alliance of our countries.”View image in fullscreenPerformers at Segou’Art, which brought together artists and musicians from across the disparate region.Photograph: Aboubacar Traore/ReutersAfter the ministers left, visitors crowded round Abdoulaye Konaté, an artist whose internationally acclaimed canvases are on display at the museum. “For me, this festival is like a library, a place and yearly event where we can share knowledge and dialogue about what matters to us. We can talk through our art. It is important,” he said.Ky Siriki, a Burkinabé artist whose bronze statues reflecting on Africa’s oral history are part of the museum’s collection, said: “From Mauritania to Sudan, we share a common culture in the Sahel region due to our nomadic past and our empires. That shared culture, a rich tapestry of diversity, can unite us. Even in our differences.”skip past newsletter promotionSign up toGlobal DispatchFree newsletterGet a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development teamEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionWe share a common culture in the Sahel due to our nomadic past … A rich tapestry of diversity can unite usKy Siriki, artistBeverly Ochieng, an analyst at the consultancy Control Risks, which monitors the political and security situation in the Sahel, said there was widespread support among people in Mali, Niger andBurkina Fasofor the idea of a shared identity.“Ecowas sanctions have caused a lot of resentment among the population in the three Sahel countries,” said Ochieng, adding that it was one reason why, despite the resulting economic downturn, a large portion of the population still backed the junta.She said the Malian regime’s pursuit of economic and monetary sovereignty, with access to its own resources and food security as key goals, “enjoys widespread support”.View image in fullscreenWorks by Abdoulaye Konate on show at Segou’Art. ‘This festival is like a library,’ he said, ‘where we can share knowledge.’Photograph: Mohamed Aguissa HamaThe Malian junta, led by Gen Assimi Goïta, has improved the security situation by making territorial gains in the central and northern regions of the country, earning it the trust of the population, according to Wouter van den Hazel, the Dutch defence attaché for Mali,Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad in Bamako. This is despite the heavy repression of any form of opposition and the abolition of press freedom.In the heart of a market near the festival, a music vendor selling traditional Malian blues leant in, lowering his voice as he spoke of his country’s future. “For me, sovereignty and security are the most important. After that, a return to democracy – but not too soon,” he said.“The junta of Assimi Goïta is cleaning up the old corrupt elite, the politicians who filled their pockets. If they come back to power after elections, it’s like starting from scratch.”View image in fullscreenThe fashion show at Segou’Art, showcasing the fusion of modern and traditional styles that sums up the festival.Photograph: Idrissa GoroAs the sun’s last rays deepened the red hues of Ségou’s terracotta buildings, designers from five Malian cities prepared for a fashion show.From escaped child bride to artist: why one Ghanaian painter puts women at the centre of her workRead moreModels showcased a fusion of modern styles and traditional, bright patterns and woven fabrics. “This is a perfect example of the cultural synergy we’re aiming to build within the AES,” said Niger’s young crafts and tourism minister, Aghaichata Guichene Atta.“We must work together to ensure that the products we make, the crafts we create, can be shared across the Sahel and beyond. This is how we strengthen our identity and our ties with one another.”
‘We can talk through our art’: the Malian festival uniting the Sahel’s people
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ségou’Art Festival Celebrates Cultural Unity Amid Sahel Region's Challenges"
The Guardian
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Every February, the city of Ségou, located 140 miles north of Mali's capital Bamako, becomes a vibrant cultural hub as it hosts the Ségou’Art festival, drawing tens of thousands of attendees for a week-long celebration of arts and music. This year, the festival's theme, 'cultural diversity, peace, and unity', resonates deeply amidst the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in the Sahel region. Musicians like the Tuareg band Aitma, who fled the jihadist conflict in northern Mali, emphasize the festival's role in fostering connections among diverse communities. Mohamed Mitta, the band manager, highlights the importance of sharing culture as a means to unify people separated by political divides. Despite the ongoing challenges, such as a jihadist blockade in Timbuktu and the political instability marked by multiple military coups, the festival symbolizes hope and resilience, showcasing how art can serve as a dialogue platform for unity and understanding among the Sahel’s people.
The festival not only features music but also art exhibitions, fashion shows, and discussions that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the Sahel. Notable figures, including Mali's foreign minister, underscored the necessity of a shared identity akin to the European Union's efforts to maintain cohesion among its member states. Artists like Abdoulaye Konaté expressed the festival's significance as a repository of knowledge and a venue for meaningful exchanges. Amidst the political and economic challenges faced by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, there is a growing sentiment among the populations for sovereignty and unity, especially in light of the resentment towards sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The military regimes in these countries, while facing criticism for their authoritarian practices, have garnered support for their efforts to stabilize the region and promote a collective cultural identity through initiatives like Ségou’Art, which aims to strengthen ties across the Sahel through shared artistic expression.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the Ségou’Art festival in Mali, showcasing how art and music serve as a unifying force amidst the backdrop of political strife and cultural division. It emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and solidarity among the Tuareg people and other communities in Mali, especially given the recent history of conflict and displacement due to jihadist influences in the region.
Cultural Unity Through Art
The festival serves as a platform for various communities to come together, celebrating their shared heritage through music and art. The statement from Aitma’s band manager underscores the festival's goal of fostering connections and remembering their common identity, even when political circumstances create divisions. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for peace and understanding in a region plagued by conflict.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
The article provides background on the ongoing security crisis in Mali, where multiple military coups and jihadist violence have disrupted lives. The mention of the band members fleeing Timbuktu and the challenges they face in Bamako illustrates the realities of life in a conflict zone. The festival becomes a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing how cultural events can flourish even in the face of adversity.
Political Implications
The narrative suggests a critique of the French military intervention and its failures to stabilize the region, hinting at a growing disillusionment with foreign military presence. This context could influence local and international perceptions regarding Mali’s security needs and the effectiveness of foreign aid and military operations.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article celebrates cultural unity, it may also downplay the severity of the ongoing political issues in Mali. By focusing on the festival and the positive aspects of community engagement, there is a risk of overshadowing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the security crisis, including political stability and economic development.
Public Sentiment and Support
The article likely resonates with audiences that value cultural identity and community resilience. It appeals to those who appreciate the arts as a means of expression and connection, especially in troubled regions. Conversely, it may not engage readers who prioritize immediate political and security concerns over cultural narratives.
Impact on Global Perception
The coverage of the Ségou’Art festival could influence global perceptions of Mali, portraying it as a vibrant culture despite its challenges. This could attract tourism and cultural interest, impacting local economies. However, the ongoing instability may deter investments and development initiatives.
Relevance to Global Power Dynamics
The situation in Mali, highlighted by the article, ties into broader discussions about counter-terrorism efforts and the effectiveness of foreign interventions in Africa. It reflects a critical juncture in global power dynamics, particularly regarding how Western countries engage with Sahelian nations facing similar challenges.
Use of Technology in Reporting
While it is unlikely that AI specifically wrote this article, AI tools could have been employed in data gathering or content structuring, especially in reporting trends or statistical analysis related to the festival or cultural impact. However, the human element in capturing the emotional narratives of festival participants is evident.
Manipulative Undertones
There could be an element of manipulation in how the article presents the festival as a solution to deep-rooted issues without addressing the complexities of the political situation. This could be seen as an attempt to redirect public focus away from the pressing need for political reform and effective governance. The article serves to uplift the cultural spirit of Mali while potentially glossing over the more serious challenges faced by its people. While it paints a picture of resilience and unity, the underlying political and social issues remain critical to understanding the full context of the situation. Overall, the reliability of the article is moderate; it offers valuable insights into cultural resilience but risks oversimplifying complex realities.