As it was on June 5, Large crowds have once again poured onto the streets of Mali’s capital, Bamako, continuing the so-called “Movement of June 5” and renewing demands for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Those gathered on Friday were heeding the call of the country’s newly resurgent opposition and were supported by Mahmoud Dicko, a prominent religious leader whose political star has been rising amid growing unrest over the devolving security situation in the northern and central regions of the country.
Thousands of soldiers and civilians have died, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes amid attacks that have increased fivefold since 2016 and have spilled into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
However, protesters’ grievances extend beyond the conflict, with the anaemic pace of political reforms, a tanking economy and a widely shared perception of government corruption have also fed anti-Keita sentiment.
During Friday’s demonstration, an imam led gatherers in a prayer in a central city square, followed by protesters singing the national anthem and blowing vuvuzela horns. Many displayed placards bearing anti-government slogans.
Mamadou Diakite, a 42-year-old teacher who protested on Friday, told Africa-News agency that Keita had to step down. “We are here for the final victory, there is no negotiation possible,” he said. Africa-News reports.