-
-
-
Loading
Loading
The annual festival in Timbuktu, Mali, took place despite the city's ongoing blockade by the al-Qaeda affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The festival, called Living Together, aims to uplift people's spirits, support the local economy, and foster dialogue among different communities. The event features music performances, trade exhibits, and debates on various topics. The festival has brought much-needed relief to local businesses affected by the blockade. However, the festival's main purpose is to promote unity and resilience in a region facing security challenges. The city of Timbuktu, with a population of over 136,000, has endured months of limited access to supplies, escalating prices, and increasing attacks on civilians. The military junta, which seized power in 2021, wants to project a sense of normalcy and reassure the population. The ongoing blockade has hindered humanitarian organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières from providing necessary assistance. Timbuktu has a history of conflict, and in 2012, it became a battleground between separatist forces, jihadists, and the Malian government. French and UN troops were deployed to restore security, but they have now withdrawn, and rebel groups have resumed fighting for control of the region. The military junta has enlisted the help of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, to combat the insurgency. However, there are concerns about their conduct, with reports of atrocities and looting. Despite the challenges, the festival took place with heavy security measures, symbolizing a sense of normalcy and the government's ability to ensure citizen well-being. Although the blockade was temporarily lifted to allow food trucks into the city, it was reinstated on the first day of the festival, highlighting the ongoing tensions. Nevertheless, festival organizers remained determined to carry on with the event as planned, emphasizing the importance of unity, dialogue, and resilience in the face of challenges.