Mali: social tension after suspension of political parties

A few hours before the large popular rally announced by the political parties for May 9, transitional President Assimi Goïta has suspended until further notice, for reasons of public order, the activities of political parties throughout the country.

This decision implies a ban on the rally planned for this Friday in front of the Independence Monument to denounce the military’s five-year rule without elections, the failure to respect the Constitution, unfair taxes and power cuts.

According to a letter sent on Tuesday by the organizers to the Bamako district governorate, the rally is intended to be peaceful, republican and democratic.

However, in the face of a campaign of threats and violence orchestrated on social networks, the parties intend to cancel the demonstration so as not to bear the responsibility for any possible clashes, according to a former minister who is closely involved.