A peaceful demonstration organised by opposition supporters in Mali’s capital, Bamako, turned violent when security forces forcefully dispersed the crowd, injuring several people, including a sitting member of parliament.
The protest, held on November 16, 2018, was meant to denounce poor governance, the rising cost of living, and the proposed extension of the National Assembly’s mandate. Despite being banned by the Governor of Bamako on the grounds of national security, the demonstrators assembled at Bourse de Travail in large numbers.
“The country is going through a fragile situation,” stated a release from the governor ahead of the march.
As soon as the crowd gathered, police forces intervened aggressively, deploying tear gas and physically attacking participants.
Among those injured was MP Amadou Araba Doumbia, who was present to support the demonstrators.
In response, opposition parties issued a joint statement strongly denouncing the government’s actions.
“To demonstrate in Mali, we do not need permission, but just to inform the authorities to supervise the event,” the statement read.
Soumaila Cissé, leader of the main opposition party and signatory of the declaration, condemned the security forces’ response in stark terms.
“We condemn with the last energy the barbaric repression planned by the highest officials of the regime,” he stated.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) also expressed its disapproval, criticising the ban and the violent crackdown as violations of fundamental rights enshrined in Mali’s constitution and in international treaties the country has signed.
The MFWA urged authorities to uphold civil liberties and refrain from using pretexts to undermine the right to peaceful protest.
It also called on the Malian government to end the use of excessive force against demonstrators exercising their democratic freedoms.
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