Context
In 2012, a serious political and security crisis arose in the Republic of Mali as a result of a military coup and an alliance between separatist rebels and Islamist terror groups. Following the recapture of the North with the help of international military deployments and the stationing of a United Nations Mission (MINUSMA), the country reverted back to democratic conditions through the implementation of elections in 2013. However, the security situation in many regions has since deteriorated due to the rise in terror attacks and interethnic conflict.
The traditionally moderate Islam in Mali is facing an increasing radical Islamist influence nationwide. This is threatening the traditional cohesion of Malian society and the freedom of cultural expression. The ongoing conflict, the state’s fragility and the spread of extremist forces that use culture as a tool for their own ends and abuse it as a means of identification, have created an ideal climate for violent extremism. The young population is particularly vulnerable. Nevertheless, urban subcultures such as rap, hip-hop, slams and modern dance are emerging in the capital, with the internet playing a pivotal role in their spread. A Mali-specific, independently developing youth culture based on tolerant and good-natured traditions offers young people an alternative, helps curb the spread of extremist forces and promotes political participation.
Objective
Young people are provided with alternatives to extremist attitudes. As agents of change and through opportunities for cultural expression, they play a positive and active role in combating extremism, in political participation, in strengthening social cohesion and hence in crisis prevention.
Approach
The project is strengthening social cohesion and offering young people prospects. It is fostering the urban (sub)culture by supporting selected cultural and district centres in improving the quality and quantity of their cultural opportunities. Alongside advising on the professionalisation of the work of the cultural centres, one key focus is providing a special cultural programme for young people.
The project has also been providing advice on to promote cultural initiatives. Creative artists are supported in improving their productions, for example in urban arts, music, modern dance, theatre, art, YouTubing and film, and in using existing channels for nationwide publicity.
By way of training, the project is also empowering authorities such as the Ministry of Culture to carry out their role in the cultural sector more effectively. The cooperation between communities, culture sector stakeholders and young people within the framework of local policy-making is being improved in order to strengthen social cohesion. In this way, the project also fosters democratic participation.