Saoudatou Dembélé Camara, Member of Parliament (MPR) of the Municipality of the VI District of Bamako and President of the Law Commission
“The consequences of Qaddafi's fall have been truly deplorable. The government trusted these Malians as they returned home to escape the combat in Libya; we never imagined that they would then turn their weapons against us. Today, many households have been displaced to the deserts of Algeria, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.” – Saoudatou Dembélé Camara
iKNOW Politics: It would appear that the recent crisis in Libya has had disastrous consequences for the countries of the Sahel. Can you help us understand the reasons for the recent rebellion in Northern Mali?
What is happening in Mali, a democratic State that respects its constitution, is regrettable, particularly since we will be holding presidential elections within a few weeks, on 29 April. This rebellion in Northern Mali is commonly called the Tuareg rebellion, but in reality involves the Tuaregs as well as the Fula and Songhai. This rebellion has been particularly affected by the Libyan crisis. The same conflict has in fact raged in Northern Mali for decades. The rebels demand independence, or in any case autonomy, for this northern region, which they call Azawad and which stretches beyond Mali’s borders. The peace was signed in 1992 as part of a "peace flame" ceremony to mark the end of hostilities. Thousands of rebels then joined the regular armed forces. Discriminatory measures were adopted in favour of the Northern Malians with the sole aim of encouraging their participation in the peace process.
More recently, in 2009, the Algiers Accord was signed following a number of attacks. Tensions then dissipated until the fall of the Qaddafi regime. This led to the return of Malian Tuaregs who had been fighting in Qaddafi's army to their country of origin. Regrettably, they returned heavily armed. Some left their weapons at the border, but others kept their arms and have installed themselves.
The consequences of Qaddafi's fall have been truly deplorable. The government trusted these Malians as they returned home to escape the combat in Libya; we never imagined that they would then turn their weapons against us. Today, many households have been displaced to the deserts of Algeria, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.
Apart from the arrival en masse of these Libyan soldiers, Al Qaeda forces operating in the Islamic Maghreb have been taking numerous Western hostages, which has further destabilized this region.
iKNOW Politics: As a woman politician in this climate of tension what steps do you envisage to ensure women's participation in future elections?
The elections must take place. Otherwise, the armed forces will take power. Our constitution does not recognize force majeure. In the case of women, steps must be taken to train and sensitize them. I believe that networks like iKNOW Politics can help us in that regard. Women must not allow themselves to be intimidated by verbal and physical violence. If participation in the elections is weak, or if the elections are compromised, it will be a victory for the rebels. Women must not remain on the sidelines of this process. If we don't go to the polls, that will represent a reversal for our democracy. Following this interview with you, I am going to commit personally to raising awareness among women, since the entire Malian population must engage to ensure a proper process for presidential and legislative elections. In the case of the National Assembly, we have joined together to support the government as to the expenditures required for this war. We have also questioned a number of government ministers.
iKNOW Politics: What advice can you give to women in the Arab world who are beginning their transition toward democracy?
What I can tell them is to stand up and fight, particularly since "the Islamists" have gained ground in most of the countries that experienced the Arab Spring. Women have been very active in demanding democracy in all countries; they must therefore not be marginalized from the process. They must not engage in a battle of women against men but should rather commit to complementary roles. I encourage them to carry through to the end in their quest for liberty, justice and equality. I wish them continuing motivation to occupy the same positions as men. They also have the support of their sisters in Mali.
“The consequences of Qaddafi's fall have been truly deplorable. The government trusted these Malians as they returned home to escape the combat in Libya; we never imagined that they would then turn their weapons against us. Today, many households have been displaced to the deserts of Algeria, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.” – Saoudatou Dembélé Camara
iKNOW Politics: It would appear that the recent crisis in Libya has had disastrous consequences for the countries of the Sahel. Can you help us understand the reasons for the recent rebellion in Northern Mali?
What is happening in Mali, a democratic State that respects its constitution, is regrettable, particularly since we will be holding presidential elections within a few weeks, on 29 April. This rebellion in Northern Mali is commonly called the Tuareg rebellion, but in reality involves the Tuaregs as well as the Fula and Songhai. This rebellion has been particularly affected by the Libyan crisis. The same conflict has in fact raged in Northern Mali for decades. The rebels demand independence, or in any case autonomy, for this northern region, which they call Azawad and which stretches beyond Mali’s borders. The peace was signed in 1992 as part of a "peace flame" ceremony to mark the end of hostilities. Thousands of rebels then joined the regular armed forces. Discriminatory measures were adopted in favour of the Northern Malians with the sole aim of encouraging their participation in the peace process.
More recently, in 2009, the Algiers Accord was signed following a number of attacks. Tensions then dissipated until the fall of the Qaddafi regime. This led to the return of Malian Tuaregs who had been fighting in Qaddafi's army to their country of origin. Regrettably, they returned heavily armed. Some left their weapons at the border, but others kept their arms and have installed themselves.
The consequences of Qaddafi's fall have been truly deplorable. The government trusted these Malians as they returned home to escape the combat in Libya; we never imagined that they would then turn their weapons against us. Today, many households have been displaced to the deserts of Algeria, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.
Apart from the arrival en masse of these Libyan soldiers, Al Qaeda forces operating in the Islamic Maghreb have been taking numerous Western hostages, which has further destabilized this region.
iKNOW Politics: As a woman politician in this climate of tension what steps do you envisage to ensure women's participation in future elections?
The elections must take place. Otherwise, the armed forces will take power. Our constitution does not recognize force majeure. In the case of women, steps must be taken to train and sensitize them. I believe that networks like iKNOW Politics can help us in that regard. Women must not allow themselves to be intimidated by verbal and physical violence. If participation in the elections is weak, or if the elections are compromised, it will be a victory for the rebels. Women must not remain on the sidelines of this process. If we don't go to the polls, that will represent a reversal for our democracy. Following this interview with you, I am going to commit personally to raising awareness among women, since the entire Malian population must engage to ensure a proper process for presidential and legislative elections. In the case of the National Assembly, we have joined together to support the government as to the expenditures required for this war. We have also questioned a number of government ministers.
iKNOW Politics: What advice can you give to women in the Arab world who are beginning their transition toward democracy?
What I can tell them is to stand up and fight, particularly since "the Islamists" have gained ground in most of the countries that experienced the Arab Spring. Women have been very active in demanding democracy in all countries; they must therefore not be marginalized from the process. They must not engage in a battle of women against men but should rather commit to complementary roles. I encourage them to carry through to the end in their quest for liberty, justice and equality. I wish them continuing motivation to occupy the same positions as men. They also have the support of their sisters in Mali.
