President Keita is currently struggling to lead his country. The close to 20 million citizens led by an opposition movement seem to have had enough of their president. The state took matters into their hands early June 5 and commenced mass protests. This is in efforts to echo their demands and persuade the president to resign. The organized demonstrations in the streets of central Mali turned disruptive and messy as they progressed. Nonetheless, the protesters have proven to be relentless and will not give in until the president steps down, and his government dissolved. For them, it is a “republican transition” from the current government.
Why President Keita should resign
Popularly going by the initials IBK, the president came to power in 2013. His agendas mainly focused on settling the reigning inter-ethnic conflicts reigning in the country. It has been eight long years battling with insurgent groups that have posed a danger to society. During this time, the northern region has been overpowered by armed fighters who are incidentally linked to many civilians’ deaths.
His failure to control these fighters has destabilized his state of leadership and the trust of his people. This is a result of the increased attacks and killings, which have become a routine nowadays following the spread of the terror troops from Northern to Central Mali and now neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso. Moreover, the president has been associated with corruption incidences, which have led to the crippling of the country’s economy.
Impact of the protests
The protests are now one month old and still counting. On July 10, the latest one was intense in that it left 158 injuries and 11 fatalities accounted for. It has marked political unrest that has turned the country into a bloody state. But the race is still on. More than ever, the opposition, galvanized by Mahmoud Dicko, is at the core of their demands.
The Reconciliation Efforts
Well, any attempts rendered by the president to address the nation and foster peace are futile. Ibrahim Ikassa, a June 5 movement leader, was quoted in a statement entitled “note on exiting the crisis,” calling for support from international communities. However, Mali’s allies and neighbors seem to be considerate enough to care for Mali’s citizens. Therefore, their support aims to avoid more wrangles in the country. Meanwhile, the protestors have rejected any conciliatory gestures from the president. President Keita remains adamant in relinquishing his powers as the president despite the reigning protests and insistence to step down.
The solution to the political heat in the country
ECOWAS has made it their plan to step up for the country’s peace. A planned meeting with President Keita and his opposers is underway on Friday to discuss the matter at hand. The UN high commission also gave his remarks and encouraged both parties to show restraint. He also warned them of repercussions awaiting if they did not take heed and rescue their country.
More:
- “IBK, Get Out”: Thousands in Mali Demand President Keita’s Resignation
- Malian President Orders Investigation after Protests Turns Violent
