Mali: Civil society group plans sit-in demonstrations in Bamako Jan. 14 /update 1

Event

The civil society group Collective for the Defense of the Republic (CDR) plans to sit-ins at three locations in central Bamako Jan. 14. The purpose of the action is to protest the Dec. 21 arrest of the organization's spokesman Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, alias Ras Bath. Organizers plan to request a permit from the municipality to hold the sit-ins outside of the Township III Courthouse, National Gendarmerie Camp I, and the headquarters of the General Directorate of State Security, with a maximum of 49 people per protest site in compliance with existing coronavirus (COVID-19) health restrictions. Municipal authorities in Bamako had previously the CDR's application for a permit to hold a large march in the city on Jan. 8 due to concerns related to COVID-19; it is unclear whether they will authorize the new smaller gatherings proposed for Jan. 14.

Should the protests go ahead as planned, authorities will almost certainly deploy increased police presence to the three protest sites to monitor the events. Localized transport disruptions could occur. Clashes between security forces and demonstrations cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected areas on Jan. 14.