Introduction.
Azawad has always been one land of one people, despite its ethnic and linguistic diversity. This people brings together a common history, suffering, and authentic culture, but first the French colonization, then Mali and Niger later, worked to divide it, sow discord, and disperse its identity.
The crimes that took place in Azawad between 2021 and 2022 are not just random attacks by terrorist groups, but are the result of malicious policies adopted by the governments of Mali and Niger, with French support, to ensure that Azawad remains weak and torn. Today, azawadis live in the bitter reality of massacres, displacement, and genocide, amid shameful international silence.
Azawad: the unity of the people in the face of artificial division.
Despite the different ethnic components in Azawad, they all belong to the same fabric, as most of the inhabitants of the region speak Tamasheq, one of the indigenous Amazigh dialects, which connects them with an ancient history dating back thousands of years. However, Mali and Niger have worked to blur this identity, using tools such as repression, marginalization, and fomenting strife between tribes.
The policy of ethnic segregation: Mali has tried to create artificial hostility between the Tuareg, the Arabs, the Fulani, and the Songhai, in an attempt to make them fight instead of uniting against the oppressive power.
Support for local militias: whenever there are signs of unity between the Azawadis, Mali and Niger have intervened with the support of local armed groups, to ensure that the internal conflict continues, while the government army stays away from direct confrontation.
Exploitation of terrorist groups: ISIS and Jemaah Islamiyah and Muslims were not just extremist organizations, but tools used by regional governments to weaken Azawad, as these groups were directed to hit certain areas, leaving others untouched, according to specific political agendas.
Major massacres: who is really responsible.
- Tamlet massacre (2021)
The village of tamelt was subjected to a brutal attack by ISIS, which led to the death of more than 300 civilians, most of whom were Bedouin shepherds who had nothing to do with political or military conflicts.
Mali did not stand still, but let ISIS expand and carry out the massacre without interference.
- Aghazragan and tlatlit massacres (2021-2022)
Both villages witnessed bloody attacks in which more than 1,000 people died, houses were burned, property was looted, and residents were displaced.
The Malian and Nigerian authorities have not made any effort to protect these villages.
Azawad Freedom Voice
21-03-25
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