Timbuktu Renaissance Talk
the youth leaders of Timbuktu attending the dialogue
In the framework of the Timbuktu Renaissance Initiative project activities, the project director of programming Mr. El Hadj Djitteye , and the Outreach manager , Ms. Fatouma Harber , held the first Timbuktu Renaissance talk, on Wednesday , 24th ,January 2018 , on the theme : “The Role of Youth in Conflict Management “. The youth dialogue was attended by thirty eight youth leaders (male and female, age 15-35) from across the Timbuktu region, representing various ethic groups and tribal backgrounds, including Tuaregs, Songhai, Arab, Fulani, and Bambara,
One attendee M’bara Adiawiakoye said : “We, youth are the solutions of our region and we must be united in order to face the challenges of our time. “ Given that youth constitute fifty percent of the population in Mali, they have a crucial role to play in conflict management, governance and become role models for positive social change in their grassroots communities.
M’bara Adiawiakoye, talking about the role of youth during the dialogue
The main points discussed by youth during the conference were : 1) the root causes of youth enrolment in arm and violent groups; 2) the consequences of youth of Timbuktu enrollment in these groups; 3) actions undertaken by youth -led organizations in terms of conflict management; 4) recommendations of youth for lasting peace in the region of Timbuktu.
One recommendation was that women’s voices be included in any strategies to counter violent extremism and build peace. As one female participant, Fatima Touré commented, women have an important role to play in conflict prevention : she is spouse , sister, mother, and household keeper, so women can easily impact communities.”
the project director of programming Mr. El Hadj Djitteye , introducing the timbuktu Renaissance project to youth leaders
It’s important to highlight that the youth are the most vulnerable in this conflict because they are the ones enlisted by violent groups and they are the ones engaged in the fighting. Therefore, the solutions for conflict management and ideas for sustainable and lasting peace and development for their grassroots communities must come from these
at-risk youth.
Another conclusion of the conference was that to effectively counter the forces of extremism and conflict, youth must be educated in practical peacemaking and peacebuilding tools. In today’s context, new and innovative approaches to peace are necessary to overcome current global and local challenges. The youth are eager to implement effective approaches to foster peace and security in their communities and the world.
Mohamamed Ibrahim Yattara, President of the Next Leaders Association , moderator of the youth dialogue
Participant Mohamamed Ibrahim Yattara said “Young people must understand more than ever before that they are a community of shared destiny that has the heavy responsibility to meet the immense challenges of Mali. Every young person must be loyal to Mali as well as to his community in order to truly integrate the republic. We all have the same development aspirations for our communities, our families and our country. The developed and peaceful Mali will be created by its youth or it will not exist.”
In the 21st century internet communication technologies, used by 80 percent of youth, provide an important platforms youth can use for positive social change. In order to promote peace and protect communities, youth leaders across the Timbuktu region must be the actors not only to foster inter community dialogue for peace but to make a positive change in the life of other youth across the region.
Ms. Fatouma Harber , Outreach manager of the Timbuktu Renaissance , activist and female blogger of Timbuktu
On the night of Wednesday, January 24, 2018, a concert was graciously offered to the populations of Timbuktu as part of the activities of the "Timbuktu Renaissance". with the aim of bringing people together around the culture of desert music native to Timbuktu, and the root of blues and rock n roll in the west. A local Timbuktu group called the artistic band of the biennale performed before a crowd of around two hundred, who enjoyed listening, singing , and dancing to the music. Using the culture of music as a catalyst for lasting peace and transforming violent extremism is a core goal of the Timbuktu Renaissance, one that is being realized with its regular concerts in Timbuktu.
The artistic and traditional Band lead by Dedeou Traore also called Hanteteou
The Timbuktu Renaissance Center for Innovation and Culture, which sponsored both the concert and the conference, aims to reinvigorate hope, identity, and a sense of community to make the population more resilient to the lure of extremism.
Editor : Cynthia Schneider