Faith Nyasuguta
A recent national dialogue in Mali concluded with recommendations supporting the extension of military rule for three more years.
Mainly composed of military participants, the dialogue proposed that Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of the junta since 2020, be permitted to contest future presidential elections. However, significant opposition boycotts marred the event, with critics accusing the military of using it to prolong their hold on power.
Mali, plagued by successive coups in 2020 and 2021, has been under military rule. Initial promises of transitioning to civilian governance through democratic elections have been indefinitely postponed due to security concerns stemming from jihadist attacks.
In April, military authorities tightened their grip by suspending all political activities and cracking down on opposition figures, journalists, and human rights activists.
On the security front, participants in the consultations advised the authorities to be open to dialogue with Islamist armed groups and engage with all Malian armed movements.
On the Sahara Desert’s southern fringe, Mali has been plagued by violence since 2012, when Islamist militants hijacked an uprising by the Tuareg groups who complained of government neglect and sought autonomy for the desert region they call Azawad.
The deep insecurity, economic hardships, election delays, and the authorities’ recent move to limit political activities have stoked frustration with the junta in some quarters. An alliance of political parties and civil society organizations formed in April and refused to participate in the national dialogue.
Meanwhile, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Chad’s military leader, was declared the victor in last week’s presidential election, according to provisional results released by the national election agency. However, his main rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, contests the outcome, setting the stage for potential unrest and political turmoil in the country.
Provisional results, released unexpectedly earlier than scheduled, depicted Itno securing a commanding 61% of the vote, leaving Masra trailing far behind with a meager 18.5%.
The revelation of Itno’s resounding victory elicited gunfire in the streets of the capital, N’Djamena, although the precise nature and motive behind the gunfire remain shrouded in ambiguity.
The prompt release of the election results, weeks ahead of the anticipated date, caught many by surprise and has raised suspicions of electoral manipulation and irregularities.
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