Portraits Croisés Local Analysis of Conflict and Resilience Dynamics in the Cercles of Ansongo, Bourem and Gao Gao Region, Mali November 2018 With support from CONFLICT AND RESILENCE DYNAMICS IN GAO The return of the State: stabilization or the beginning 5 of new tensions? (Ch. II & IV) - KEY MESSAGES - Chicken and egg? The presence of more security Intensification of inter-communal tensions (Ch. II) 1 forces, if they do not have the population’s trust, 6 does not give a sense of security, but rather the contrary (Ch. I) The MOC’s mandate: understood by few and a Feelings of marginalisation expressed by 2 source of conflict (Ch. I) 7 communities on the outskirts of Gao (Ch. II & IV) The MOC is a tool for reconciliation and trust- 3 building both internally and for the wider community (Ch. I) On the return of the State to Gao On insecurity The implementation of the Peace Agreement: different 8 expectations and levels of motivation (Ch. III) On the management of the conflict A strong feeling of mistrust between communities in 4 Gao: the communitisation of insecurity (Ch. II) On intercommunal conflicts High expectations regarding the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration 9 (DDR) risk derailing it: DDR is perceived as a right, a support to employment (Ch. III) 2 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS - Support the implementation of the MOC through 3 targeted actions Adapting security management mechanisms to the Institutionalize civilo-military dialogue between civilians local context: creating a more inclusive and coordinated a 1 and the MOC security management framework b Adapt the MOC’s capacity to the needs of the field For concerted security Construct the buildings and premises assigned to the c MOC away from residential areas of Gao management For the restoration of trust between Deconstruct the community prism for the return of the MOC and 2 social cohesion For increased civilans social cohesion For the Clarify the scope of the DDR process to effective 4 prevent frustration implementation of the Peace Encourage the creation of spaces for Agreement in inclusive and participatory dialogue a between communities and communities Gao Enhance the role of traditional leaders in and authorities the three cercles of Ansongo, Bourem and d Gao in the restoration of trust between communities Support the facilitation, by Gao’s High Court, of information and awareness- b raising campaigns on justice between the Organize community dialogue sessions justice system and communities e to combat stigmatization between young Make of the implementation of the Peace Agreement an MOC fighters, particularly nomadic, and opportunity for social transformation 5 sedentary youth from Gao Organize a regional meeting between the c women of the three cercles of Ansongo, Bourem and Gao to build trust between them 4 5.