Mali: Anti-government protest planned in Bamako for August 11 /update 6

Event

The Coordination of Movements, Associations, and Sympathizers of Mahmoud Dicko (CMAS) has called on supporters to demonstrate in Bamako on Tuesday, August 11, to call for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita over his handling of ethnic violence and militant activity in Mali. Participants will reportedly gather at 14:00 (local time) at the Monument de l'Independance.

Protests in Mali have previously turned violent and resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, the burning of tires, barricades on bridges and roads, and security forces using tear gas to disperse crowds.

Associated business and transportation disruptions, as well as a heightened security presence, are to be anticipated near all demonstration sites.

Context

Anti-government protests have been reported across the country, notably in Bamako, Sikasso, Bougouni, Kati, Yanfolila, Mopti, and Nioro since May. The legislative elections in March gave a majority to President Keïta with the ruling Rassemblement pour le Mali (RPM) party winning 51 out of the 147 seats at the National Assembly. According to protesters, the results released on April 30 by the Constitutional Court do not match initial results released by the Ministry of the Territorial Administration, in which the ruling party won 43 seats.

Advice

Individuals in Mali are advised to monitor developments, avoid all gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.