crise « dangereuse », appels à la fin de tout processus de dissolution des partis et à une présidentielle
Summary of the Current Political Situation in Mali
In Mali, tensions are escalating towards what some experts, including lawyer and political analyst Cheick Oumar Konaré, warn could be a "major political crisis." This follows a controversial decision by military rulers to dissolve political parties while maintaining power amidst widespread public outcry and protests.
Konaré highlighted the perilous nature of the situation in an article, asserting that the current military regime has inadvertently united various political movements against it due to its miscalculations and rigid policies. The funding for political parties has been slashed, and many activists face imprisonment, driving politicians to a point of desperation that they believe leaves them with "nothing to lose."
The backdrop of this political turmoil is a series of military coups in 2020 and 2021, which initially promised a return to civilian governance. However, as the transitional authorities delay elections scheduled for March 2024, public dissatisfaction grows. Political figures from parties like ADEMA-PASJ have condemned the military’s decision, asserting they will engage legally against this "vague" measure, stressing their status as legally recognized entities.
The sentiment echoed by members of various political factions is that the fight for constitutional order transcends mere party politics. There is a palpable urgency among citizens, as articulated by Ibrahima Tamega of "La Convergence," calling for a return to constitutional governance. Activists assert that continuous delays of a civil return signify an ongoing dictatorship rather than a transition.
Kadiatou Fofana, part of the movement "Tous concernés," emphasized the necessity for the military to uphold their commitments to relinquishing power to civilians, criticizing the prolonged transition as dictatorial in nature. Observers like journalist Ibrahim Jakouraga suggest that the military’s decision aims to silence dissent and further entrench their control without input from political parties, which could be dangerous.
Growing Discontent and Protests
Public dissatisfaction is increasingly being expressed through protests, with demonstrations held in Bamako against the military’s actions. These gatherings reflect a broad coalition of political parties and civil society actors, all united in their demand for adherence to democratic principles. Recent protests have drawn hundreds, illustrating a significant push against the perceived autocracy of the military rulers.
Following widespread protests, civil society groups, political leaders, and engaged citizens reaffirmed their dedication to democratic values in a manifesto. They emphasized the need for political pluralism and an effective return to constitutional order, openly rejecting any moves toward authoritarianism.
The National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH) of Mali has also issued warnings, noting that rising political tensions threaten fundamental liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly. They advocate for a constructive dialogue rather than escalating repression, urging the government to foster an environment of tolerance and social harmony.
The Path Forward
To mitigate escalating tensions, Konaré asserts that there are feasible steps that could be taken by the transitional President Assimi Goïta, namely to halt the dissolution of political parties and establish a firm date for elections. The returning of confidence to political processes could significantly alleviate growing unrest.
The current political landscape in Mali is marked by a crucial intersection of desperation among political actors, public demand for constitutional governance, and the military’s refusal to surrender authority without guaranteed stability. The potential for a crisis remains high, as public protests continue to escalate, fueled by a collective yearning for democratic reform and a legitimate political framework.
As Mali approaches key dates in its transitional timeline, the careful navigation of this complex political terrain will be critical for the future of governance and civil liberties in the country. The coming weeks will likely be determinant in shaping Mali’s trajectory out of this precarious situation.
