Mali’s political crisis: 10 leaders incarcerated, signatories sound alarm
Signatories of the March 31, 2024 joint declaration have raised international and national concerns regarding what they describe as a path towards dictatorship by the transitional authorities. They stand in solidarity with the ten prominent leaders currently deprived of their freedom.
In a public statement, the signatories of the March 31, 2024 declaration expressed unequivocal support for the ten political leaders currently imprisoned.
They warned that these actions by the current authorities hark back to another era, confirming a trajectory towards dictatorship aimed at prolonging power and silencing democratic and republican voices in Mali.
“The signatories of the March 31, 2024 joint declaration note with regret and dismay this latest violation of fundamental freedoms, condemning these arbitrary arrests with the utmost severity for violating Mali’s constitution and laws, particularly those relating to individual and collective freedoms,” they affirmed.
The signatories continued by demanding the immediate release of their unjustly detained colleagues, indicating they have engaged legal counsel, including Mali’s bar association, given that one of the detainees is an attorney, thus violating established procedures.
Within the statement, the signatories of the March 31, 2024 joint declaration called upon their supporters and sympathizers to stand prepared and mobilized around their leadership in this noble struggle for democracy’s survival and the preservation of the country’s liberties. “Further actions will be announced in due course,” they stated.
This declaration comes amidst escalating tensions in Mali, where political restrictions and the arrests of opinion leaders fuel concerns over the country’s democratic stability.
The signatories of the March 31, 2024 joint declaration hope to raise awareness and rally international response to this critical situation, urging immediate action to uphold democratic principles and fundamental rights in Mali.