Mali: Security forces disperse demonstrators in central Bamako August 12 /update 7

Event

Security forces in Bamako used tear gas to disperse protesters on the morning of Wednesday, August 12, who had gathered for an overnight sit-in protest in the city centre. Several hundred anti-government protesters had remained around the Monument de l'independence overnight following an June 5 Movement - Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques (M5-RFP) anti-government demonstration on Tuesday, August 11, as part of a related sit-in protest. However, security forces moved in to disperse the gathering at around 07:00 (local time) on Wednesday morning, firing tear gas and arresting several activists.

Although there have been no reports of significant injuries from Wednesday's unrest, protests in Mali have previously turned violent and resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, as well as the blocking of roads with burning tires and barricades.

Further anti-government demonstrations and associated security operations are likely in Bamako in the medium term, bringing a risk of localized disruptions in the capital.

Context

Anti-government protests have been reported across the country, notably in Bamako, Sikasso, Bougouni, Kati, Yanfolila, Mopti, and Nioro since May. The legislative elections in March gave a majority to President 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 monitor developments, avoid all gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.