Mali has begun the long-awaited restitution of Timbuktu’s ancient manuscripts, with the first shipment arriving at the Ahmed Baba Institute after over a decade in Bamako.
Transported by a Malian army truck, the delivery contained about 5.5 tons of crates holding more than 27,000 documents, some dating as far back as the 13th century.
These invaluable works, which cover fields from theology and medicine to astronomy, history, and mathematics, were safeguarded in the capital following the 2012 occupation of northern Mali by Islamist armed groups.
The initiative, supported by UNESCO, includes the rehabilitation of local libraries and training in restoration and digitization to preserve this heritage.
The return follows a high-level ministerial mission to Timbuktu led by the Ministers of Reconciliation, Higher Education, and Culture, culminating in an official ceremony and meetings with local and religious leaders.
Authorities view the manuscripts’ return as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and a means of reinforcing social cohesion in a region still facing security challenges.
Additional shipments are expected in the coming months, reconnecting the city with its rich intellectual legacy.
