Paper short abstract:

This paper takes a look at narratives used by the media, researchers, politicians and various field actorr when dealing with Fula and issues pertaining to them. These narratives shape the involvement of Fula in violent conflict.

Paper long abstract:

The modern African state of Mali is depicted as a successor state of the Ancient Empire of Mali. Since 2012, a lasting political, social, and security crisis has been rocking the country. Non-state armed groups, fundamental Islamist fighters, have been wreaking havoc in a state that was long praised for its tradition of intermingling of peoples, its religious tolerance, and its democratic efforts. The international community has gone to Mali's bedside, with a special United Nations mission- the MINUSMA- and the French Serval operation. More structured plans for military security such as G5 Sahel, and French operation Barkhane have followed. Nevertheless, violent conflicts in Mali have not subsided. Various strategic narratives are being employed to mobilize support for Mali, its stability, and its strategic capabilities. These narratives have not prevented the rise of community-centered strategies for survival. Fula, the largest West African ethnicity, have been associated to various narratives in the fight against terrorism. As such, Fula civilians have been victimized by various parties, among which the national army, and non-state armed groups serving as proxies for various agendas. This work aims to study narratives employed in Mali by various actors in the field to justify their actions and strategies. Herein, with a look at history and insider insights, we focus on reactions from Fula communities that are currently experiencing a revolution because of these strategies, and how they are using narratives of their own, based on their sense of common identity, to respond. Subjective appropriations fuel peacebuilding and warmongering.