la contestation « fragilise » les autorités militaires de transition
Summary of the Recent Protests in Mali
The recent protests in Bamako, Mali, mark a significant movement against the transitional military authorities, as hundreds of citizens express their dissatisfaction with the military’s continued hold on power and demand elections. According to Oumar Berté, a Malian lawyer and political scientist, this burgeoning unrest is gradually undermining the current regime, which had previously enjoyed widespread support.
Berté, affiliated with the University of Rouen in France, emphasized that the protests reveal a growing discontent across the nation. The factors fueling this unrest include an ongoing energy crisis, financial troubles, social discontent, and severe repression illustrated by arbitrary arrests and abductions. Notably, political parties in Bamako were prevented from holding meetings, provoking unprecedented protests since the beginning of the transition five years ago. Protesters voiced their disapproval of what they termed "military dictatorship" and called for a return to constitutional order through elections.
Berté anticipates that this movement will expand beyond Bamako, highlighting the need for various actors to join the protest. He argued that the military’s power is partly a result of political complacency and complicity. Currently, civil society actors are taking the lead in these protests, as evidenced by a collective of civilians, political leaders, journalists, and activists who recently issued a manifesto advocating for democracy, political pluralism, and fundamental rights.
In this manifesto, the group denounced proposals put forth by the military regime that involved disbanding political parties and granting the transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, a five-year mandate without elections. They underscored the necessity for "transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections," as well as a commitment to political pluralism—seen as essential for democratic legitimacy.
Aliou Boubacar Diallo, an honorific president of the ADP-Maliba party and a former presidential candidate, criticized these military proposals as a "flagrant violation" of the Constitution and asserted the importance of maintaining the hard-earned democratic practices established since 1991.
Additionally, a manifesto authored by a group of young political activists and civil society members reiterated the commitment to political diversity and democracy. They plan to mobilize across the country, urging citizens to resist the potential dissolution of political parties and promote a return to constitutional rule.
However, Berté cautions against the high risk of governmental repression. He warns that the transitional authorities may resort to using force or legal measures to quell dissent, which could lead to radicalization on both sides. This situation presents a precarious balance between the desire for political reform and the potential for increased state violence.
The protests reflect a broader societal frustration and the urgent call for a return to the rule of law in Mali amidst crises impacting daily life. As these movements gain traction, their outcomes will significantly influence the future political landscape of the country.
