Malian authorities have returned ancient manuscripts to Timbuktu, which were previously relocated to Bamako to protect against al-Qaida militants. An estimated 4,000 manuscripts and numerous mausoleums were destroyed by jihadists in 2012. The Ahmed Baba Institute utilized creative methods to smuggle the remaining manuscripts out of Timbuktu. Mali's military junta initiated the return of over 200 crates of these manuscripts, mainly driven by concerns regarding humidity in Bamako. Despite pride in their heritage, local citizens appear more focused on pressing economic and security issues.
Political and religious figures in Timbuktu welcomed the return of manuscripts removed to Bamako over a decade ago to protect them from militants linked to al-Qaida.
Workers at the Ahmed Baba Institute smuggled remaining documents from Timbuktu using rice sacks and transportation methods like donkeys and motorcycles.
Mali's military junta began returning manuscripts, citing humidity in Bamako as a threat to their preservation, with the initial shipment involving over 200 crates.
Local leaders celebrated the manuscripts' return, emphasizing their importance as reflections of civilization and heritage while everyday Malians focused more on economic and security issues.
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