02 Jul 2020 | 02:57 PM UTC
Mali: Opposition party calls for anti-government protest in Bamako July 10
Mali’s opposition coalition has called for anti-government protest in Bamako on July 10; avoid all protests as a precaution
Event
Malian opposition leader Mahmoud Dicko has urged his supporters to join an anti-government protest in Bamako on Friday, July 10, to demand the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta over his handling of ethnic violence and militant activity in the country. Protesters will reportedly gather at Monument de L'independance from 14:00 (local time). Similar protests in the past have drawn large-scale attendance and been forcibly dispersed by security forces.
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.
