The Displaced

Vendredi, juin 14, 2013

When Wahabist Islamists took over towns like Timbuktu, they laid down the new laws: Men had all to grow beards and cut their trouser legs above the ankle. Women had to wear the veil and stay indoors most of the time. Unmarried men and women were not allowed to associate. There would be no music or dance. Secular schools would close. Violations would lead to public beatings, incarceration or worse. Anyone who disagreed was free to leave town. Across northern Mali, around half a million people did just that. Many travelled to the capital, Bamako, to stay with friends or relatives or, if they were able to raise a bit of money, in rented accommodation.After French troops liberated northern towns in early 2013, some of the displaced began to return.Among the recent returnees is Ousmane Maïga, a teacher. "We can forgive, but justice must be done. That is the price of peace and tranquility," he says.Enhance your viewing experience: watch the whole multimedia series here: http://www.irinnews.org/webspecial/mali/index.html#