Mali: Protests continue after military junta dissolves parliament.

By Edwin F -

Protests have still been taking place in Mali following the country's military's dissolution of the parliament on July 25th. The committee has also announced that it will hold a vote on a new constitution in October.

                                    

The protests were initially motivated by the decision of the junta to delay the February 2023 election by an unknown number of months. The committee said that the elections will be held in 2024, but there is no assurance that they will actually occur.

The demonstrations have been responded to with violence by the junta. Security forces have employed tear gas and live firearms to disperse the demonstrators, there have been documented instances of multiple fatalities.

The committee has alleged that the demonstrations are instigated by " Terrorists" and poses a threat to national security. However, the protestors claim that they are simply seeking to demand that the junta honor the democratic process.

The demonstrations are an indication of the widespread disdain for the government that is expressed by the Malian people. The committee has been criticized for its human rights abuses and for not addressing the country's security concerns.

It's unclear when the demonstrations will continue. However, they serve as a warning that the Malian population is committed to restoring democracy to their nation.

  • The immediate restoration of the dissolved parliament.
  • The holding of free and fair elections in 2023.
  • The resignation of the military junta.
  • The release of all political prisoners.
The junta has so far refused to comply with the demonstrators' demands. Whether the protests will force the junta to change course remains to be seen.


Here are some of the concerns of the protesters:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Human Right Lawyer And Activist Arrested In Nigeria

By Edwin F -
Image
Dele Farotimi  is more than just a name in the headlines; he is a passionate human rights lawyer and activist deeply committed to fighting against the injustices that plague Nigeria. Known for his  strong critiques of bad governance , Farotimi has become a beacon of hope for many who seek a better, more transparent Nigeria. Recently, he released a thought-provoking book that lays bare the  corruption within the Nigerian judiciary , shedding light on a system many believe has lost its way. Dele Farotimi  Tragically, his outspoken nature has made him a target. On  December 3, 2024 , Dele was arrested by the Nigerian police at the Zone 2 Command in Lagos, following a defamation petition filed by  Tony Elumelu , the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. The allegations claim that Dele made defamatory remarks about Elumelu during a public discussion, which has led to this distressing turn of events.  Dele had earlier send signal out that some ...
Read more

UN Committee Reviews Cameroon Amidst Alarming Torture Allegations

By Edwin F -
Image
United Nations Committee Against Torture is currently holding its eighty-first session in Geneva from October 28 to November 22, 2024. During this session, the committee is reviewing Cameroon's fifth periodic report on its compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This session comes at a critical time, with reports and videos emerging that allegedly show Cameroonian military forces engaging in torture against civilians in the conflict zones of the Northwest and Southwest regions and also in other Regions of the country. These disturbing images have drawn attention from human rights groups and the international community, particularly amid ongoing violence tied to separatist movements and the fight against Boko Haram. The committee’s review of Cameroon is vital, especially given these serious allegations. It provides the Cameroonian government an opportunity to respond to accusations of torture and explain the steps...
Read more

Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland

By Edwin F -
Image
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was recently arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. Ekpa is linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group campaigning for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. Simon Ekpa Finnish authorities charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. According to Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he allegedly used social media platforms to promote violence and terrorism, which has contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria. The four others arrested are suspected of funding his activities. Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, particularly for enforcing sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria, which have disrupted daily life and led to violence, even after IPOB's mainstream leadership suspended such actions. This isn’t his first legal trouble; he was bri...
Read more