The French magazine LeBouan wondered whether the prestigious position that "Imam" Mohamed Deco could attain - in the current widespread movement demanding the resignation of Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Kita - would make him take over eventually rather than Kita.
In this regard, she said that many monitors of the political dynamism of this West African country have already begun, since the movement, led by Deco, was able to mobilize large audiences to overthrow Kita, asking: Will Islamists seize power in Bamako?
To discuss this issue, Lubuan reported an analysis of Malian researchers, Professor Boubekeur Haidara from Purdue University and Dr. Lamine Savani from Mobily University, and both academics give lectures at Ségo University in Mali.
The researchers say that the Malian public turned around the "imam" after it began to strongly condemn the "catastrophic conduct" of the country, which caused Malians to view it as a "tool of war" against corruption and the policies that "betrayed" the people.
They noted that the "Imam" gained his reputation as head of the Supreme Islamic Council (2008-2019) through the various political struggles that he fought in this context by virtue of his position, as he emerged in his battle against the family law between 2009 and 2011, and in his intervention to solve the financial crisis since 2012 And his role in the 2013 presidential elections, not to mention his opposition to introducing sex education in the educational curricula in 2019, and various other issues.
And the Imam is well aware - according to the researchers - that his only strength lies in his ability to mobilize people, and he took advantage of this to continue his battles and continue to influence the national political scene.
In view of the lack of confidence of the population in the political class, the researchers say that the clergy have emerged as an alternative that citizens can trust, as they have proven that they are the only ones capable of rallying the masses, which has led the leaders of the opposition parties as well. An opponent managed to mobilize the Malians to take to the streets and demand the president to step down.
There is no doubt, according to analysts, that the volume of mobilization that Deco was able to achieve made him the undisputed leader of the opposition, and he provided during the protests a platform for the rest of the opposition leaders, including former ministers, through which they expressed their sins on the ruling regime, and the "imam" formed an alliance with whom they launched It is the June 5 Protests of the National Forces Alliance (M5-RFP).
Supporters of the authority over this alliance are accepting the leadership of Deco, known for his staunch defense of strict Islamic teachings, who they accuse of being an ally of jihadists in the north and center of the country.
They believe that the political elites whose popularity has been deteriorating in recent years seek to restore their health through dependence on religious elites.
Kingsmaker
But the authors pointed out that, since his participation in the election of the president in 2013, when he strongly supported Kita's candidacy, he strongly did not hide his great interest in political affairs, and he apologized to the people in his speech to the masses last June 5 for his support for Kita, confirming that he claimed not only the current movement but It is to correct that error.
The analysts do not expect Deco to attempt to take power, nor do they exclude the call to implement Sharia law, but rather see him presenting himself as a moral authority "far from conflict and disputes" but it is an authority with a clear opinion.
According to the authors, Deco's restriction to a religious approach also means downplaying the heterogeneous nature of the movement he leads and which includes all the disaffected by the regime.
It appears that the “Imam” is consciously aware that the role of the political supervisor - who plays it very well - suits him better than the role of the political player directly, and will contribute, as he did in the past, to supporting the character he deems appropriate, and he is in fact able to put The person he chooses is at the head of authority, according to the authors.
It seems, according to the authors, that the confrontation between the president and the "imam" has reached a point of no return, which means that the country is entering a period of tension that will not be reduced except with major concessions by the regime if it does not transfer Kita's departure from power.