2020 Malian protests

2020 Malian Protests
Part of the Malian political crisis
Date	June 5, 2020 – August 18, 2020
Location	Bamako, Mali
Caused by	Disputed legislative elections Corruption Economic hardship Insecurity
Goals	Resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta Political reforms
Methods	Demonstrations Civil disobedience
Resulted in	Military coup d'état Resignation of President Keïta
Parties
M5-RFP Government of Mali
Lead figures
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Units involved
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The 2020 Malian protests were a series of demonstrations and civil unrest in Mali that began in June 2020 and culminated in a military coup d'état in August 2020. The protests were primarily driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, who was accused of corruption, mismanagement, and failing to address the country's security and economic challenges.

Background

Mali has faced ongoing political instability and violence since the 2012 Malian coup d'état and the subsequent Northern Mali conflict. The situation was exacerbated by disputed legislative elections in March and April 2020, which were marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. The Constitutional Court's decision to overturn some of the election results further fueled public anger.

Causes

The protests were sparked by several factors:

• **Disputed Elections**: The controversial legislative elections and the Constitutional Court's involvement in altering results led to accusations of electoral fraud.
• **Corruption**: President Keïta's administration was widely perceived as corrupt and ineffective.
• **Economic Hardship**: Mali's economy was struggling, with high unemployment and poverty rates.
• **Insecurity**: The government was unable to contain the violence from jihadist groups and intercommunal conflicts, particularly in the northern and central regions.

Protests

The protests were organized by the M5-RFP (June 5 Movement – Rally of Patriotic Forces), a coalition of opposition groups, civil society organizations, and religious leaders, including the influential Imam Mahmoud Dicko. The movement demanded the resignation of President Keïta and the implementation of political reforms.

Demonstrations began on June 5, 2020, in the capital city of Bamako and quickly spread to other parts of the country. Protesters engaged in peaceful marches, sit-ins, and civil disobedience, although some demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces.

Government Response

The government initially attempted to quell the protests through dialogue and concessions, including offering to form a unity government. However, these efforts were rejected by the M5-RFP, which insisted on Keïta's resignation.

Coup d'État

On August 18, 2020, a group of military officers staged a coup d'état, detaining President Keïta and other government officials. Keïta announced his resignation and the dissolution of the government and parliament, citing his desire to avoid bloodshed.

Aftermath

The coup was condemned by the international community, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the United Nations. ECOWAS imposed sanctions and called for a return to civilian rule. The military junta, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, promised to oversee a transition to democratic governance.

Also see

• 2012 Malian coup d'état
• Northern Mali conflict
• Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta
• M5-RFP
• Mahmoud Dicko