Mali: Imam Dicko makes his political comeback

Text by: RFI Follow

An influential religious dignitary in the country, Imam Mahmoud Dicko, former president of the High Islamic Council of Mali and sponsor of a Coordination of sympathizers, the CMAS, spoke on Saturday February 29 during a meeting in Bamako. He addressed the situation of the Malian school, paralyzed by a teachers' strike, but also the dialogue with the jihadists and the governance of Mali.

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With our correspondent in Bamako, Serge Daniel

As usual, when announced, the room is full. And as usual, he takes the last word.

The situation of the Malian school worries Mahmoud Dicko . The imam includes teachers who have been on strike for several weeks. He asked for lessons to be resumed and at the same time he urged the government to find a solution to the teachers' financial claims.

If the situation remains blocked, the imam could, next Friday, call for a large demonstration. " Friday, " said Mahmoud Dicko, " is simply a citizen mobilization. If we really don't get together to find our solution, we won't have a solution. "

Appeal to jihadists

For his return to politics, the religious also denounced bad governance. He is also worried about the insecurity that is spreading in central Mali. And then, an inevitable subject, he evokes dialogue with the jihadists . If he declares himself favorable, he asks them to observe a truce on the ground.

" I launched an appeal because the whole country today agrees that we speak with them," explains Mahmoud Dicko. For their part, they must accept that there is a truce and show a sign of goodwill. "

The Malian imam, who is now the godfather of a political movement, CMAS , no longer wants to be silent. He clearly wants to weigh more and more on the course of events . Officially, he repeats that he has no political ambition, no agenda. But here, some people find it hard to believe.

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