The Bellah people have been a member of the UNPO since 2017. 

The Bellah people are a marginalized group within the Kel Tamasheq society, facing ongoing discrimination because of their historical status in a caste system tied to descent-based slavery. Even though slavery was officially ended in Mali in 1905, the Bellah continued to suffer from poverty, violence, and lack of recognition due to the long-term effects of French colonial rule, which reinforced their lower status. To resolve these issues, it’s crucial to make sure the Bellah have a say in their future as well as they can address past wrongs, ensuring their culture is preserved and their contributions are recognized and valued.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the Bellah People as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from the Bellah community. However, the main organization representing the rights of the Bellah People within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Malian Association for the Preservation of Bellah Culture (AMASCB-IKEWAN). You can read more about the Malian Association for the Preservation of Bellah Culture here.

The Bellah people, also known as the Fulani Bellah or Fulɓe Bellah, are a distinct ethnic group residing primarily in the Sahel region of West Africa, particularly in Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. With a unique cultural heritage that blends elements of Fulani pastoralist traditions with the broader Sahelian cultural mosaic, the Bellah people maintain a strong sense of identity rooted in their language, social customs, and religious beliefs. Their cultural practices, shaped by a semi-nomadic lifestyle of cattle herding, emphasize communal cooperation and mobility, which have been essential for their survival in the arid landscapes of the Sahel.

The Bellah face systemic discrimination and exclusion from political processes by dominant groups in Mali. Despite their distinct cultural identity, the Bellah are often relegated to the status of “slave” or “servant” within the Tuareg hierarchy, which severely limits their access to political representation, education, and economic opportunities. This exclusion and lack of representation has left the Bellah people without a voice in crucial decisions that impact their communities, particularly in areas related to land rights and cultural preservation. 

The Bellah are the black indigenous peoples of the Sahel/Sahara area and constitute one of the largest communities in Mali. Historically, the Bellah were regarded as the ‘peasants’ of society and thus subjected to slavery. Although the Bellah constitute a significant number of Mali’s population, they have been subject to slavery, violence and discrimination – largely due to their vulnerability and economic dependence. 

Traditionally semi-nomadic cattle herders, the Bellah have traversed the Sahel in search of pasture and water, a lifestyle that has deeply influenced their social organization and cultural practices. Despite challenges posed by modernization, conflict, and environmental degradation, the Bellah people have continued to preserve their heritage and way of life, contributing to the rich diversity of the Sahel region.

The Bellah have historically faced systematic marginalization, particularly in the Tuareg-dominated regions of northern Mali. This exclusion has roots in the traditional hierarchies established during the colonial era, where Tuareg and Arab elites refused to recognize the Bellah as a distinct community with their own characteristics. The legacy of these historical injustices continues to impact the Bellah people, who are often denied recognition and access to basic services.

e Bellah people without a voice in crucial decisions that impact their communities, particularly in areas related to land rights and cultural preservation.

The Bellah people currently face numerous political and social challenges. One of the most urgent issues is their lack of recognition by the Malian State as a distinct community with its own unique characteristics. This refusal to recognize their existence has deep historical roots, linked to the entrenched social hierarchies from the colonial period, where Tuareg and Arab elites resisted any recognition of the Bellah and other marginalized communities.

As a result, even in northern Mali, where the Bellah are often in the majority, they lack access to public services, aid, and opportunities. They face significant stigma and negative attitudes from neighboring communities, worsening their marginalization. 

In addition to these challenges, the Bellah are frequently victims of violent attacks by bandits. These attacks have a devastating impact on their daily lives, as they often result in the theft of their herds, which are then sold in neighboring countries. Whether nomadic or sedentary, the Bellah endure assassinations, destruction of property, robbery, rape, and the abduction of their children. The persistent insecurity forces many Bellah to migrate to the southern regions of Mali in search of safety.

However, the Bellah community faces difficulties integrating into these southern regions. The successive arrivals of displaced populations over several decades have not been met with adequate support from public administration in terms of stabilization, assistance, or integration for these “citizens in difficulties.”

Recognizing their right to self-determination is crucial for allowing the Bellah to choose their own political, cultural, and economic future and to address historical injustices that have persisted since the colonial era. This recognition would also enable them to preserve their cultural heritage and secure meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Upholding the rights of the Bellah people is essential for promoting justice, stability, and inclusivity in the Sahel region, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected, and addressing the ongoing challenges they face.