The group is calling for political and economic reform in Mali
BAMAKO, June 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tens of thousands of people have once again gathered in Bamako’s Independence square for the latest in a series of protests called by the influential and radical Imam, Mahmoud Dicko.
They are calling for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta to resign because of escalating jihadist and inter-communal violence in the country.
A newly formed coalition of opposition groups, led by Dicko, is calling for political and economic reform, and an end to corruption.
Keïta pledged earlier this week to form a new unity government that would include members of the opposition.
Despite negotiations between the two sides earlier this week, the protest has gone on as planned.
On Friday, crowds gathered in Bamako’s Independence Square, chanting slogans, blowing plastic trumpets and holding placards with anti-government messages. A letter has also been sent to the president by the opposition groups demanding his resignation.
Dicko led prayers during the rally. Opposition politician Cheick Oumar Sissoko also delivered a speech calling for civil disobedience until Keïta stepped down.
It follows a similar rally held on June 5, which was organised by the same coalition. The group have since adopted the name “Movement of 5 June – Rally of Patriotic Forces”.
Keïta, who is 75 and known as IBK, was first elected president of the west African nation in 2013. He secured a second five-year term in 2018.
But he has come under mounting pressure in recent months due to Mali’s worsening economy, coronavirus, and a teachers’ strike. Political tensions have also arisen from a disputed legislative election in March, and allegations of corruption.
Mali has been wracked by instability since 2012, when Islamist groups hijacked an insurrection by Tuareg separatists, seizing swathes of territory in the north. But violent attacks on government forces and UN peacekeepers continue.
In recent days, the president has been pushed to make concessions to opposition groups, like raising the salaries of public teachers following a pay dispute.
A delegation from the West African regional bloc Ecowas is also mediating between the two sides.
But protesters say not enough is being done to curb corruption or fix the failing economy. — NNN-AGENCIES
