Mali: Nationwide banking and insurance strike August 22-24

Event

The members of the national banking and insurance union (SYNABEF) launched a 72-hour strike across the country on Tuesday, August 22. According to SYNABEF, around 90 percent of their members had followed the strike order by 12:00 (local time) on Tuesday. Media sources reported that some banks were closed and large crowds seeking to withdraw funds had formed near cash machines, which are still functioning, in the capital city of Bamako. SYNABEF leaders said that additional actions may be taken if the government does not meet their demands.

Context

Union leaders are demanding that the government reinstate the union’s representative to the New Inter-African Insurance Company (NSIA), Issiaka Traoré, who was removed from his position on July 18. SYNABEF claims that his removal was illegal and that the NSIA is attempting to remove all union workers from NSIA. According to the union, Traoré was fired after sending an email to NSIA management criticizing the director of the company.

After holding two sit-in protests earlier this year, SYNABEF announced on August 7 that it would hold the 72-hour strike if talks with NSIA failed. Discussions between the two groups broke down on Monday, August 21, prompting the union to carry out their strike.

Advice

Individuals in Mali are advised to monitor the situation, to anticipate and plan for bank service disruptions, and avoid any potential protests as a precaution.