Qui c’est ce monsieur Mali qui remplace les Francais? Analyzing the Kel Tamasheq conflict of Mali from the perspective of identity
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2010-08
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en
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Abstract
This theoretical explorative study analyses the role of identity in the conflict between the
sedentary Bambaran majority and the nomadic Kel Tamasheq minority of Mali. Two dominant
theories on identity are used to analyse this conflict. The first theory concerns the cultural
deterministic theory of Samuel P. Huntington, i.e. identity as a primordial concept. The second
theory regards the theory of Amartya Sen, i.e. here identity has a more ambiguous role as a
subject to rational and moral choice within the situation. Both theories are used to analyse
identity features and the role of the terrain from the beginning of the conflict, in 1963, until
today. Four identity features are used: collective history, language, religion, and lifestyle. The
fifth factor in the analysis is the role of the geographical area where the conflict takes place.
Considered factors are extensively mentioned in literature about the low intensity conflict. At
first sight the identity features seem to play an important explanatory role in the conflict cause.
Though, studying the conflict more profoundly it appeared that the difference in identity
between the nationwide sedentary Bambara identity and the nomadic identity of the Kel
Tamasheq minority did or does not play a determining role in the conflict. Yet, what does play
an unambiguous role is the repressive nationalizing policy by the Bambaran majority
government, named Bambarafication.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen