30 May 2018 | 12:17 PM UTC
Mali: Opposition coalition to rally in Bamako June 2
Political opposition coalition calls for rally in Bamako on June 2; increased security measures and traffic disruptions expected
Event
The Coalition for Alternation and Change, the main Malian political opposition party, is planning to hold a march in the capital city of Bamako on Saturday, June 2. Soumaïla Cissé, the leader of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD) party and the coalition’s presidential candidate, is calling for supporters to attend the event and demand that the election be held freely and fairly, without electoral fraud. Exact details regarding the time and route of the march have not been released as of Tuesday, May 29, but demonstrations typically occur in the city center near the Rond-Point de l'independence and the Bourse du Travail. Increased security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the rally.
Context
Presidential elections will be held in Mali on July 29. According to the Council of Ministers, the official campaign period will start on July 7 and end on July 27. If necessary, the second round of the elections will be held on August 12. The elections have been repeatedly postponed since 2013, largely due to security concerns from the ongoing extremist threat. Cissé was confirmed as the opposition coalition’s candidate on May 26 after receiving the support of the National Council of the Party for National Renaissance (PERENA), one of the other main opposition parties in the country. Current President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita also confirmed on May 28 that he will run for re-election.
Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops stationed throughout the Sahel, in addition to the presence of local military troops.
Advice
Individuals in Bamako are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all political demonstrations as a precaution.
The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
