The majority of west African states are prone to insecurity because of insurgencies, political tensions, and ethnic conflicts. Mali is among the states which currently is faced with violence because of the anti-government uprisings. Malian president orders investigation after protests turns violent.
Since the re-election of President Ibrahim Boubacar, opposition and their supporters have been rebelling against his rule. They have now protested for the third time demanding his resignation. In an attempt to stabilize political tensions in the country, President Keita offered those who lost their seats in March elections senatorial seats. However, they rejected the offer and demanded their initial parliamentary seats.
Therefore, last month’s Friday demonstrations which led to the death of one man came from the peoples’ political differences. The opposition had incited their supporters, telling them that the government didn’t care about their needs. This was after President Keita rejected the oppositions’ idea to dissolve the current parliament.
Why do Malians protest against President Keita?
It was on Friday when thousands of people marched in the streets protesting. They demanded that President Keita resigns from office. The demonstrators blamed President Keita for the economic crisis and insecurity in Mali. They said that since his reign, they have not seen any improvement in their economy. Instead, it plunges daily, with a never-ending financial crisis. Moreover, cases of insurgency have spread to central Mali despite joining forces with France. Not to mention, the constitutional court in Mali, is corrupted too.
Thousands of civilians have died during the insurgencies while terrorists forced some out of their homes. The unrest in Mali is real and needs strong governorship before everything drowns.
Malian President Orders Investigation as one man dies during Protest
Mahmoud Dicko, an influential political opposition leader, organized the Friday demonstrations. Dicko belongs to one of the largest ethnic groups in Mali. However, the protest turned to chaos when demonstrators blocked main thoroughfares, attacked the parliament, and stormed the premises of the state broadcaster while police fired tear gas to disperse them.
“We don’t want this regime anymore,” said one of the demonstrators, Sy Sow.
According to AFP journalists, the demonstrators had set tires ablaze on the two bridges of the city. The national forces fired teargas at them as they threw stones at the parliament building. The Friday protests are one of a kind. Such violence is rare amongst protestors in Mali.
Doctor Diallo from Gabriel Toure Hospital in Bamako stated I casualty died while 20 sustained injuries. An official from the office of the Prime Minister also confirmed the death. However, what caused the death and injuries remains unclear.
President Keita orders an investigation
Following the death and casualties, the opposition alliance stated it held the government responsible. It also urged security forces to protect “the bare-handed protesters who are only defending democratic, secular, and republican values.”
President Keita said during a press conference that the scale of “human and material losses” remained unclear but the investigation was on. He accused some of the opposition leaders of inciting the protest.
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