How is Mali addressing its ongoing crisis through cultural initiatives?

Mali has been facing a crisis for over a decade, and the country's approach includes promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, and reconciliation across all regions. According to a festival organizer, their department operates with an overall vision that works throughout the country to foster diversity, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence among communities. The Sur le Niger festival serves as a platform for this mission, bringing together Malians and people from the broader Sahel region to celebrate arts and culture while strengthening unity during political transitions. These cultural initiatives are especially significant as Mali, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, navigates recent political changes including their exit from ECOWAS.