Mali’s political landscape has recently encountered a drastic change, with its President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita stepping down from his position. This decision came following his arrest, along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, in Bamako, the nation’s capital, by military soldiers. This abrupt shift of power incited its West African neighbours to consider stringent actions against the coup leaders, including sanctions and border closures.
Tracing the Cause: A Tumultuous Decade
The origin of this disruption can be traced back to the 2011 crisis in Libya that caused major instability in Mali. With weapons from Libya trickling across the Sahara Desert, a separatist conflict erupted in northern Mali. The conflict rapidly evolved into an Islamist militant offensive, which incited a coup in Bamako, Mali’s capital.
Issues Behind Recent Unrest
The present state of unrest in Mali stems from three interlaced problems. These include a political crisis due to disputed legislative elections in March 2020, an economic crisis marked by stagnation, corruption and exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and dissatisfaction among troops due to poor payment terms. Furthermore, a security crisis emerged due to the failure in containing terrorism and jihadist activities and the military’s hostile actions against civilians.
The New Regime: A Commitment to Stability
Following the coup, a group named the National Committee for the Salvation of the People has emerged as the interim government. They have stated their aim to stabilize the country through political transition and scheduling feasible election timelines. The new rulers have imposed a curfew, sealed national borders and pledged to honor past agreements regarding anti-terrorism missions in the region and the 2015 Algiers peace agreement.
Global Response for Democratic Restoration
The international community, particularly Mali’s former colonial master France, has urged Mali to quickly return to civilian rule. They claim “the fight against terrorist groups and the defense of democracy and the rule of law are inseparable.” Various jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group also operate in Mali’s northern deserts, which heavily affect neighbouring countries. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have condemned the coup, with ECOWAS closing borders, suspending financial flows and excluding Mali from their decision-making bodies.
A Snapshot of Mali
Mali is a vast country stretching into the Sahara Desert in West Africa. One of the largest nations in Africa and one of the poorest globally, it has historically faced droughts, rebellions, coups and a 23-year military dictatorship, only achieving democratic elections in 1992. Its population of around 19 million people speaks French, Bambara, Berber and Arabic and primarily follows Islam and indigenous beliefs.
Facing Forward: The Path to Stability
The latest military coup in Mali, although a reaction to security challenges, political drift, disputed elections, and corruption, appears unlikely to present a solution to the nation’s multifaceted problems. This situation underscores the reality that while foreign interventions may provide temporary relief, the key to rebuilding a nation like Mali lies within its own democratic institutions and the ability of its people to overcome adversity.
