Mali: Anti-government protest scheduled from August 21-23 /update 8

Event

An anti-government protest is scheduled to take place in Bamako from Friday, August 21. The demonstration has been organized by the Mouvement du 5 Juin - Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques (M5-RFP) opposition coalition who are calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK).  Demonstrators are set to gather at the Bamako's Monument de l'Independance on Friday, where a sit-in will take place until Sunday, August 23.

A heightened security presence, as well as associated disruptions to transportation, are to be expected around the demonstration site.

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

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