Opposition leaders in Mali have taken to the streets in central Bamako to celebrate the military coup overthrowing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who called for a “victory for the Malian people”.
Thousands gathered on Friday in the capital’s Independence Square, the birthplace of a months-long protest movement, many of them draping in Mali’s national flag and jumping on vuvuzela horns.
They gathered three days after troop troops seized the 75-year-old president of the country, forced him to announce his resignation and unveiled a military government that would rule until a “transitional president” takes over.
“We have come here to thank you, to thank the Malian people for their support. We have just completed the work you started and we recognize ourselves in your fight,” said military government spokesman Ismael Wague.
Some of the sites burned in the run-up reflected resentment for perceived foreign interference in Mali’s affairs [Annie Risemberg/AFP]
Keita, who was elected for a second term of five years in 2018, announced his resignation on Wednesday, saying he had no other choice and wanted to prevent blood clots.
The coup came after months of protests, led by a loose coalition called the June 5 Movement, which were fueled by anger at Keita’s lack to stave off a bloody uprising, rebuild the economy and tackle corruption.
‘We won’
Contrary to fierce condemnation abroad at the reunion of an elected leader, many in the rally were jubilant about the change as they sang banners, danced and waved to thank the mutants.
“I am satisfied! We have won. We came here to thank all the people of Mali, because this is the victory of the people,” said opposition leader Mariam Cisse, 38.
Ousmane Diallo, a 62-year-old retired soldier, said: “We are here to celebrate the victory of the people. Just the victory of the people.”
“IBK has failed,” he said, with a common reference to the former president through his initials. “The people are victorious.”
But, he warned, “the army should not now think they can stay in power.”
Malians celebrate the turn of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in the capital Bamako [Annie Risemberg/AFP]
“It’s a scene of joy. God has saved us from the hands of evil, we are happy, we are behind our army,” said a 59-year-old farmer who gave his name only as Souleymane.
Some of the sites burned in the run-up reflected resentment for perceived foreign interference in Mali’s affairs.
One last, “ECOWAS, a union of heads of state serving personal interests,” a reference to the 15-nation regional bloc that has led the condemnation of the coup and stands by Keita.
The bloc is set to send envoys on Saturday led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
Another sign had crossed the words “Barkhane” and “MINUSMA”, the latter a reference to the United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali.
US stops military cooperation
Meanwhile, Keita’s removal has surprised Mali’s international partners, who fear it could further destabilize the former French colony and the entire Sahel region of West Africa.
The United States said Friday it had suspended cooperation with Mali’s army in response to what it said Referred to by the Pentagon as an “act of reflection”.
“Let me categorically say that there is no further training or support of Malian armed forces full-stop. We have stopped everything until we can clarify the situation,” American Sahel broadcaster J Peter Pham told reporters.
The US provides regular training to soldiers in Mali, including several of the officers leading the coup. It also provides intelligence support to France’s Barkhane troops, who are there to fight al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates (ISIS).
Pham said a decision on whether Washington would designate the actions a coup – which could trigger a cut in direct support to the government – had to go through a legal review.
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