In a residential neighbourhood in Mali’s capital, a parade of giant marionettes marched through the streets as motorcycles and taxis squeezed through the busy road, stopping at intervals to give way for the puppets. Rendez-Vous Chez Nous, which translates to “come to us” or “meet at our place” in French, was a three-day festival organised by the Nama marionette and dance group. The ninth annual edition of the event, held in Bamako Nov. 6-8, featured dance performances, concerts and plays. But the spectacle of colours, raucous music and merriment belied the fear that Bamako residents have lived with in recent weeks. The city of more than 3 million people is being squeezed by al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports.
