Mali: President Kéïta names new prime minister April 22 /update 1

Event

On Monday, April 22, Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéïta named ex-Minister of Economy and Finance Boubou Cissé as the country's next prime minister. The move follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga on Thursday, April 18; Cissé previously served in Maïga's cabinet. 

Associated political rallies are possible in the coming days, particularly in Bamako, as a new government is formed.

Context

Around 10,000 people demonstrated in Bamako on April 5 to denounce intercommunal violence in central Mali and perceived government inaction to address persistent insecurity in the region. Over 160 members of the Fulani ethnic community were killed in Ogossagou (Bankass circle, Mopti region) on March 23. Imam Mahmoud Dicko, the organizer of the April 5 demonstration and the president of the High Islamic Council (HCIM), is calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéïta, claiming that the government has failed to address security concerns for all people throughout Mali.

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Since 2013, some 170 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali.

Advice

Individuals in Bamako are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.