Transition in Mali: the Assises recommend a 6-month to 5-year extension, without deciding

Malian interim president Colonel Assimi Goïta during a review of the armed forces on June 7, 2021 in Bamako.

AFP - ANNIE RISEMBERG

Text by: David Baché

4 min

After a month of consultation with Malians throughout the country, and three days of synthesis in Bamako, the conclusions of the National Assembly of the refoundation were presented at the International Conference Center in the capital on Thursday, December 30.

Forty themes, several hundred recommendations, but what was most anticipated was an electoral timetable.

On the subject, the final recommendation is vague to say the least.

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An extension of the Transition from six months to five years, this is what the participants in the Assises asked for.

In order to allow the realization of structural institutional reforms, and that before going to the elections.  

Six months to five years, the range is wide, and the Panel which drew up the synthesis therefore chose not to decide.

On this point, on the date of the future elections and on the return to constitutional order, the suspense is therefore still unresolved. 

Applause and shouting on behalf of "Russia!"

"

On Defense issues: it is requested to set up new military camps in the country.

A strong demand in the Center, where the presence of jihadist groups is growing.

Another request: develop new military partnerships with military powers to better defend the sovereignty of the country.

This proposal generated applause and cries on behalf of " 

Russia!"

 In the Conference Center.  

It is still suggested to dissolve all the militias and return them to the army.

A reference to the groups of traditional hunters who have evolved into self-defense groups. 

► 

To read also: Mali: the proposals collected on the ground exposed to the National Assises of the refoundation

Real separation of powers and depoliticization of justice

On the political and institutional level, we retain the reduction in the number of political parties via restrictive conditions of creation and financing, the development of a new Constitution with a reduced number of institutions, or the establishment of a Senate and a Court of Accounts, or even the development of a constitutional mechanism for the dismissal of the President of the Republic in the event of breach.

On Justice, and the fight against corruption and impunity, stated priorities of the Transition, the final summary recommends making offenses relating to corruption and financial delinquency imprescriptible, or to ensure respect for the independence of justice by a real separation of powers and a depoliticization of justice.

A funny recommendation in the current context, since it is precisely an accusation leveled against the transitional authorities by the defenders of the many political figures targeted by proceedings in recent months. 

Finally, a rereading of the 2015 peace agreement, concluded with the armed groups in the North, is also recommended.

The points to be revised are not specified, but these armed groups, which boycotted the Assizes, have already often expressed their opposition to any re-reading of this peace agreement concluded with the Malian state.  

► 

To listen: National meeting in Mali: "

We cross the proposals to determine the general trend

"

"Malians' desire for change"

The President of the Transition, Colonel Assimi Goïta, spoke at the conclusion of these Assises.

And he began by rejoicing at the “ 

enthusiasm

 ” aroused by this exercise “ 

with high democratic value

 ”.

He noted " 

a desire for change on the part of the Malians

 " which " 

under no circumstances can be turned aside

 ".

Assimi Goïta is committed to implementing the recommendations presented. 

He then addressed the many political parties and armed groups which had chosen to boycott these Assises: “ 

They must now understand that the safeguard of our nation is a duty which is imposed on all.

 "  

Finally on the electoral timetable, Assimi Goïta promised that it would be determined " 

soon

 ".

He took the opportunity to thank ECOWAS, but above all to ask for more " 

support

 " and " 

solidarity

 " " 

to allow the Malian people to achieve their development goals

 ".  

These main recommendations add up to just about every topic imaginable.

Indeed, the calendar of pharmacies on duty, or the transcription of official documents in Braille language - for the blind - are also on the list.

► 

To read also: National Assizes in Mali: the boycott or the participation of political parties

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