On the eve of a major mobilization scheduled for Saturday in Bamako against the new constitutional amendment, Amnesty International, in a statement, warns the Malian State of any recourse to “unnecessary or excessive force against demonstrators”.
“A few weeks before the referendum on an amendment to the Constitution, the Malian authorities are increasingly intimidating opponents of its project”, said the organization for the defense of human rights. A warning that comes a week after two demonstrations of the “Trop C’est Trop” movement were dispersed by the police with truncheons and tear gas.
“At least eight people were wounded” during these repressed demonstrations, Amnesty notes, calling on the Malian authorities to guarantee the right to freedom of peaceful demonstration. A report confirmed by the organizers of these two events. “Until there is evidence to the contrary, these demonstrations pose no threat, and there is no justification for the excessive use of force against those who participate”, the organization added.
In Mali, since the establishment of the state of emergency due to the security situation in the center and north of the country, several demonstrations were banned by the authorities. Particularly in Gao, where an unauthorized demonstration was violently repressed in July 2016. Three young people were then killed by bullets.
“The authorities must ensure that dissenters can express themselves without fear, intimidation or harassment”, said Gaétan Mootoo, West Africa researcher at Amnesty International in the statement.
At 24 hours of the march, the organizers called on their supporters to yield to no “provocation” and “stay together no matter what”. The protest should include the opposition, the Mali Workers’ Confederation (CSTM), the second largest in the country, as well as numerous youth and civil society associations.
Aboubacar Dicko