Mali – Constitutional amendment : a “NO” front is gradually being set up

A few days after the adoption of the constitutional amendment draft, protests are multiplying in Bamako to say “NO” to the text. At the same time, members of parliament and other members of civil society are organizing themselves to defeat the text.

In Mali, the government should face a strong platform that stands against the constitutional amendment draft. A week after its adoption by the National Assembly, the draft of the new Constitution has already been the subject of two demonstrations organized by the “Trop is Too” movement in the Malian capital. Peaceful protests which do not falter in spite of the repressions of the security forces. This Saturday, they were scattered with tear gas and some of them briefly arrested by the police.

Meanwhile, meetings are being held in the Malian capital for the “NO” to this amendment which should strengthen the seizure of the President of the Republic over certain institutions of the country. On June 8, several civil society associations and political parties met at the Pyramid du Souvenir. Objective, to set up a common platform to counter the project. A platform that could be implemented on Sunday, under the leadership of Mrs. Sy Kadiatou Sow, former minister, and Member of Parliament Amadou Thiam whose party slammed the doors of the presidential majority several months ago.

For the supporters of this “NO” camp, including the opposition of Soumaïla Cissé, there can be no constitutional amendment, in accordance with its article 118, when the integrity of the national territory is undermined. This reform comes as a large part of the center of the country has come under the control of terrorist groups, they say. The Constitutional Court refers to it as a “residual insecurity” which cannot prevent constitutional reform within the meaning of international law.

Among other complaints against this amendment, which will also take into account institutional reforms provided for in the peace agreement, the appointment of the President of the Constitutional Court by the President of the Republic, the creation of a Senate and above all the possibility for the President to amend the Constitution without going through a referendum. These last three points are considered by the “NO” camp as a “true democratic setback”.