Political Science

Event Title

Mali: Restoring Peace to a Peaceful Nation

Presenter Information

Olivia Covington, Franklin College

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Subject Area

Political Science

Start Date

11-4-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2014 10:30 AM

Description

Mali is a traditionally peaceful country located in northwestern Africa. Throughout its history, Mali has rarely been involved in any wars. However, when the Tuareg people began fighting for independent recognition in the north, a civil war broke out. The war brought bouts of violence to the country until, in 2012, a group of Tuareg rebels overthrew the Malian army and claimed northern regions as their own nation known as Azawad. But, Mali still struggles with the Turaeg leaders on control of Azawad.

Malian citizens want to see the civil war end, and they use music to express this desire. Amadou and Mariam use their music to advocate for peace and to call for the unification of all Africa. The songLa Paix, French forPeace, calls for the nations surrounding Mali to help the country restore peace. Through lyrical and musical analysis ofLa Paix,I show the ways in which Amadou and Mariam remind Malians and other Africans of their common ancestry. This common ancestry is meant to inspire Mali and other African peoples to put aside their differences to work together to restore peace. Amadou and Mariam's use of tribal language, tribal music, and references to other African countries symbolizes their desire to live in a peaceful country and on a peaceful continent. And,La Paix shows the progressive power of music; that is, music has the power to change minds and promote peace in a world ravaged by war.

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Apr 11th, 9:00 AM Apr 11th, 10:30 AM

Mali: Restoring Peace to a Peaceful Nation

Indianapolis, IN

Mali is a traditionally peaceful country located in northwestern Africa. Throughout its history, Mali has rarely been involved in any wars. However, when the Tuareg people began fighting for independent recognition in the north, a civil war broke out. The war brought bouts of violence to the country until, in 2012, a group of Tuareg rebels overthrew the Malian army and claimed northern regions as their own nation known as Azawad. But, Mali still struggles with the Turaeg leaders on control of Azawad.

Malian citizens want to see the civil war end, and they use music to express this desire. Amadou and Mariam use their music to advocate for peace and to call for the unification of all Africa. The songLa Paix, French forPeace, calls for the nations surrounding Mali to help the country restore peace. Through lyrical and musical analysis ofLa Paix,I show the ways in which Amadou and Mariam remind Malians and other Africans of their common ancestry. This common ancestry is meant to inspire Mali and other African peoples to put aside their differences to work together to restore peace. Amadou and Mariam's use of tribal language, tribal music, and references to other African countries symbolizes their desire to live in a peaceful country and on a peaceful continent. And,La Paix shows the progressive power of music; that is, music has the power to change minds and promote peace in a world ravaged by war.