Mali: Opposition party calls for nationwide anti-government protests June 19 /update 4

Event

Malian opposition leader Mahmoud Dicko has urged people nationwide to hold anti-government protests on Friday, June 19. These calls come despite President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announcing on Tuesday, June 16, that he is prepared to hold talks with the opposition coalition. The calls for protests come amid increasing scrutiny on Keita over his handling of ethnic violence and militant activity in the country.

The Forces Vives Engagees Resolument pour la Demission de IBK (FERDI) is planning to stage a demonstration in Bamako on Friday, June 19. Supporters of FERDI plan to gather at Monument de L'independence from 14:00 (local time) to demand the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. A similar protest on June 5 drew a large-scale attendance and was forcibly dispersed by security forces.

Further associated demonstrations are likely in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any protest.

Context

Anti-government protests have been reported across the country, notably in Bamako, Sikasso, Bougouni, Kati, Yanfolila, Mopti, and Nioro since May.

The elections gave a majority to President Ibrahim Boubacar 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 Mali are advised to keep abreast of the situation and sociopolitical climate and avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances and incidental violence.

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country,  travelers are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and high-profile places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to security forces.