Western Mali

In addition to Western Mali, this project involves communities of the Soninké diaspora, many of whom live in Paris, France.

Western Mali has long remained out of the spotlight on the issue of descent-based slavery as most research on this area, both historical and contemporary, focuses on male emigration to France. Most studies of descent-based slavery have focused on northern Mali, as well as Niger and Mauritania.

The research team has extensive fieldwork experience in the area and a collaborative network in Mali and neighboring countries. This is an important asset for the potential expansion of this study, as well as for its comparative approach.