Mali's Djenné City's Historical Decline in Tourism
- Djenné, once a renowned center of Islamic learning, laments the lack of visitors.
- The iconic mud-brick mosque and historic sites struggle to attract tourists in Djenné, Mali.
- The Grand Mosque of Djenné, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces a decline in tourism, impacting the local economy.
In Djenné, Mali, Kola Bah used to work as a tour guide in the historic city. The city is famous for its mud-brick mosque, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list. Due to conflicts between rebel groups and government forces, tourism has declined, and Bah has lost his income. He used to support his large family and cattle with his job. The city of Djenné is very old and was once a significant market center for the trans-Saharan gold trade. The tourism industry in Mali has suffered greatly, leaving fewer opportunities for people to earn a living. The situation worsened when Col. Assimi Goita took control after a coup in 2021 and expelled French forces, seeking help from Russian mercenaries for security. Despite promises to combat armed groups, the government is struggling against militants. Efforts are being made to improve security and involve young people in cultural rituals to preserve traditions. The decline in tourism has had a severe impact on the livelihoods of many Malians, like Kola Bah, who used to rely on visitors to support their families.