Mali: Further opposition protests in Bamako September 21 /update 2

Event

Members of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD) opposition party are calling for another protest in Bamako on Friday, September 21, in support of defeated opposition presidential candidate Soumaïla Cissé. Protesters are being asked to gather at the Monument of Independence before walking to the Koulouba area. As of Tuesday, September 18, the specific time of the protest has not been released. The march was announced during a demonstration in Bamako on September 15, which was attended by thousands of URD supporters. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are expected along the march route.

Context

Despite Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta's confirmed reelection by the Supreme and Constitutional courts, Cissé and his supporters continue to deny his reelection and claim fraudulent results in the first and second rounds of the presidential election, respectively held on July 29 and August 12. Election observers have judged the election to have been fair overall, despite some irregularities and low voter turnout (34.4 percent). Keïta was inaugurated on September 4; a related demonstration held by the opposition on the same day attracted thousands of supporters though no incidents were reported. Similar well-attended gatherings also took place in Ségou, Sikasso, and Nioro (Kayes region) and in Bamako on September 1.

Advice

Travelers in Mali and specifically in Bamako are advised to closely monitor the situation and avoid all gatherings due to the risk of clashes between protesters and the security forces. 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.