The Search for Common Ground Mali, Siguida Hêrêma Network, Union of Free Radios and Televisions of Mali (URTEL), and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Mali co-organized a one-day reflection forum on September 16, 2026. The event, titled "From Consultation to Action: A Resilient Civic Space in Mali," aimed to capitalize on the achievements of the Siguida Hêrêma project and look towards the future for its sustainability.
The forum's objective was to strengthen dialogue and bridges between the Siguida Hêrêma Network and other key actors in the civic space. Stakeholders discussed and defined their priorities, commitments, and common perspectives to sustain the dynamic of multi-stakeholder collaboration. This collaboration seeks to create a more resilient civic space in Mali.
The opening ceremony was presided over by a representative of the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. The representative expressed satisfaction with the participants' presence, highlighting their interest in local governance and development. He emphasized the importance of the day, which symbolizes a collective commitment to social cohesion, progress, and dialogue among various actors contributing to public life and territorial development.
The forum featured panels on various themes, including digital and civic space, and the achievements and prospects of the Siguida Hêrêma project. With nearly 43 civil society organizations and media outlets, the project strengthens dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms. Its forum seeks to establish clear orientations and concrete actions to ensure a resilient civic space in Mali.
The Siguida Hêrêma Network's actions in Gao, Mopti, and Bamako have contributed to citizen construction. Recommendations from the forum emphasized the need to sustain their field actions with partner support. The project has made significant progress in promoting a resilient civic space, and stakeholders are committed to continuing their efforts.
The event demonstrated a collective engagement towards promoting a resilient civic space in Mali. Participants acknowledged the importance of collaboration and dialogue in achieving this goal. The forum's outcomes will contribute to the development of a more robust and sustainable civic space in Mali.
The Siguida Hêrêma Network's achievements and the forum's recommendations will inform future actions and partnerships. The network's commitment to promoting a resilient civic space in Mali is unwavering, and stakeholders are working together to ensure the sustainability of their efforts.
Key points
- The forum aimed to capitalize on the achievements of the Siguida Hêrêma project and promote a resilient civic space in Mali.
