33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

MALI ETHNIC GROUPS: The largest group is the Bambara, living in in central and southern Mali along the middle Niger Valley; the Main minority groups are Peuhl also called Fula or Fulani (14.7%), Tuareg (7.7 per cent). Maure, Soninké (Saracolé) (10.8 per cent), Senoufo (10.5 per cent), Minianka. Dogon (8.9 per cent), Bozo (2.9 per cent), Songhai (1.6 per cent), Diawara, Xaasongaxango (Khassonke) 6 . Although the various administrations have always tried to favor pluralism and integration among the ethnic groups, for some time the relations between the Tuareg population living in the north and the Malian government are very tense 7 . POLITICAL SITUATION: Since its independence from France in 1960, Mali has passed through droughts, periodic rebellions (mainly by Tuareg), a coup and more than 20 years of dictatorship until democratic elections in 1992. In 1994, and after the failure of the Pact National of April 1992, the Malian government signed a peace accord with the Tuareg, one that commits the government to the development of all northern populations. In early 2012, there was another military coup and an occupation of the northern regions by armed groups so in 2013, France intervened militarily upon the government's request. Authorities agreed a United Nations-sponsored peace with Tuareg separatists in 2015, but parts of the country remain tense, with Tuareg rebels sporadically active. Security, critical to economic recovery and poverty reduction, is fragile, with attacks by armed groups a on the UN force and the Malian army continuing, mostly in the north Meanwhile, a jihadist insurgency in Mali's north and central regions continues, with al-Qaeda-linked militants carrying out attacks 8 . CULTURAL TRADITIONS: Islam practiced in Mali usually is moderate, tolerant but is adapted to local conditions. Women generally do not wear veils 9 and people are encouraged to be sensitive to the local dress code (e.g. the wearing of shorts is discouraged for both women and men). Men, when greeting one another, usually shake hands and then they put the right hand to the chest as a show of respect; hoplding hands with other men while walking is a sign of friendship. Man greeting Woman just use a simple handshaking; in certain parts of southern it is common for women to bend 5 https ://ww w.state.gov/documents/organization/256257.pdf 6 http s://ww w.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ml.html 7 http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Mali.html 8 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13881370 9 http s://ww w.loc.gov/rr/frd/cs/profiles/Mali-new.pdf