Mali: Presidential inauguration in Bamako September 4

Event

The inauguration ceremony for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK) is set to be held on Tuesday, September 4, after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold his electoral win on August 20. The daylong event is set to take place at the Koulouba Presidential Palace. A continued heavy security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected through the day. Protests and clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

On Monday, August 20, the Constitutional Court of Mali confirmed incumbent President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta as the winner of the August 12 presidential runoff election, rejecting opposition leader (and presidential candidate) Soumaïla Cissé's allegation of election fraud. Cissé has stated that he does not recognize Keïta's electoral victory. Election observers have judged the election to have been fair overall, despite some irregularities and low voter turnout (34.4 percent).

The first round of voting was held amid tight security on July 29 among 24 candidates; as no candidate received the required 50 percent, a runoff was called between the two front-runners, President Keïta of the Rally for Mali party and Cissé of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party. President Keïta officially won with 67.16 percent of votes in the August 12 runoff versus 32.84 percent for Cissé.

Advice

Individuals in Mali are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all political events and large public gatherings due to significant security concerns (e.g. unrest, risk of terrorist attack). 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.