Mali: tributes supported by the reception of the remains of Soumaïla Cissé
Soumaïla Cissé's supporters jubilant in Bamako, Thursday, October 8, 2020 in the evening, after the arrival of their leader at Modibo Keita airport.
Michele Cattani / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The remains of Soumaïla Cissé, who died on December 25 from the coronavirus, arrived in Mali on Thursday, December 31 from Paris.
Intimates, authorities and political class were keen to welcome the body of the deceased who will have marked the political history of the country.
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With our correspondent in Bamako,
Kaourou Magassa
The mines are serious and the exchanges between the various personalities present at the VIP lounge at Bamako airport are whispers.
Very moved, Zéphirin Diabré, a political opposition figure in Burkina Faso, is part of Soumaïla Cissé's inner circle.
“
From being ten years older than me, he's always showered me with affectionate advice.
For nothing in the world, I would not have missed this tribute to come and welcome the remains.
"
On the Assitan tarmac, Soumaïla Cissé's wife is surrounded by her children.
All dressed in black and white mask on the face, she receives the
tributes supported
by the Malian political class and the authorities.
Tiébilé Dramé was her husband's campaign manager in the 2018 presidential election.
“
Its public action for several decades is in the interest of Mali.
You know, his death is a political earthquake for this country.
"
After the departure of the ambulance containing the body of the deceased, a procession forms to go to the Cissé family home.
This is where since December 25 the activists have been meeting.
Abdourhamane Diarra, youth president of the URD party comes there every day.
“
We can only express our solidarity, our support through our availability throughout the period of mourning.
"
Soumaïla Cissé's funeral ceremony will be held this morning at the Palais de la Culture in Bamako.
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Burkina Faso