06 Jun 2018 | 12:55 AM UTC
Mali: Opposition protest planned in Bamako June 8
Opposition leaders call for protest on June 8 in Bamako in response to police forcefully dispersing demonstrators on June 2; avoid all protests
Event
Leaders of the opposition National Renaissance Party in Mali have called for a new protest in Bamako on Friday, June 8, in response to government repression of a previous demonstration on June 2. Local hospital sources reported that clashes between opposition protesters and police during the June 2 protest left 25 people wounded. Additional opposition demonstrations and clashes between protesters and police are possible in Bamako in the coming weeks ahead of the July 29 presidential elections. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near protest sites.
Context
Presidential elections will be held in Mali on July 29. According to the Council of Ministers, the official campaign period will start on July 7 and end on July 27. If necessary, the second round of the elections will be held on August 12. The elections have been repeatedly postponed since 2013, largely due to security concerns from the ongoing extremist threat. Soumaïla Cissé, the leader of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD) party, was confirmed as the opposition coalition's candidate on May 26 after receiving the support of the National Council of the Party for National Renaissance (PERENA), one of the other main opposition parties in the country. Current President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita also confirmed on May 28 that he will run for re-election.
Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops stationed throughout the Sahel, in addition to the presence of local military troops.
Advice
Individuals in Bamako are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all political demonstrations as a precaution. 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.
