Mali: M5 sulks meeting with IBK, which opens the door to a unity government

On June 5, tens of thousands of people gathered in Bamako, the capital of Mali, to demand the departure of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. MICHELE CATTANI / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

Since Saturday evening, meetings have multiplied in Bamako to try to appease the social and political crisis in Mali. President IBK even met Imam Dicko, one of the leaders of the protest, on the sly this weekend. So this Tuesday, June 16, all the forces were summoned to the Bamako convention center but the leaders of the M5 did not respond positively to the invitation.

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Within the M5, the protest movement of June 5, discussions were intense much of the day on Tuesday. Should we or should we not meet the Head of State who has been calling for dialogue since his address to the nation on Sunday evening?

Among the members of the movement which brings together civil society, religious and political opponents, some are for when others are against. But after the meeting of the Strategic Committee, early in the afternoon, the M5 finally agreed. Nothing appeared at the convention center where the head of state had invited the forces to try to appease the political and social crisis .  

► Read also: Mali: attempts at political relaxation are increasing

In front of a small audience and in a speech of about thirty minutes, President IBK promised on the political front to launch consultations for the formation of a government of national unity.

On the social front, article 39 will finally be applied to teachers, which "  will put an end to the school crisis,  " hopes the head of state. Teachers who chain strikes are demanding the application of this article which enshrines salary increases, since the signing of an agreement with the government in 2019.

The application of article 39 had been requested for 7 months by the education sector, in crisis since 2016. Adama Fomba, one of the spokespersons of the education unions is happy but remains cautious.

We are delighted, but first of all we are awaiting the report on conciliation with the government. One thing is the announcement of the President of the Republic, the other thing is the act because it is not the first time that the President gives instructions ...

Adama Fomba, teacher spokesperson

Coralie Pierret

► Also to listen: Imam Mahmoud Dicko to RFI: "I want the president to listen to the Malian people"

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  • Mali
  • Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta
  • Social issues
  • Education

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