Mali: Activist groups to demonstrate in central Bamako June 7

Activist groups plan to stage unrelated demonstrations in Bamako during the afternoon of June 7. The first and probably larger of the two events will begin at 14:00, with participants assembling at the Hamdallaye Sports Complex (Palais des Sports) to demonstrate support for the transitional government. The pro-government rally, led by the Universal Movement of Mali (MUMa, Mouvement Universel du Mali) and the Collective for the Defense of the Military (CDM, Collectif pour la Defense des Militaires), coincides with the third anniversary of the military junta under President Assimi Goita. The rally could attract several thousand participants.

A second demonstration associated with Synergy of Action for Mali (Synergie d'Action Pour le Mali) calls on supporters to gather at Liberty Place (Place de la Liberte) in Bamako starting at 14:00 June 7. The purpose of the demonstration is to condemn the acute electricity crisis facing the nation and to denounce the high cost of living. It is unclear how many people will attend the event.

Heightened security presence and localized transport and business disruptions are likely near any rallies that materialize. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out, particularly if anti-junta activists attempt to assemble nearby.