Mali: Police-civilian clash claims at least six lives in the town of Kayes

12 Mai 2020

Bamako, Mali, May 12 (Infosplusgabon) - At least six people were killed in Kayes, 500 km west of Bamako, during a demonstration by youth, who were protesting against the murder of an 18-year-old teenager on Monday by an off-duty police officer, Infosplusgabon learned from local sources.

The angry populations burnt tires and set fire to the 2nd district police station in Kayes N'di, a neighborhood located on the right bank of the Senegal River that runs through the city.

The news of the young man's death sparked great indignation in the town, and spontaneous demonstrations were held throughout the city, during which at least six people lost their lives in the ensuing scuffle between police officers and young demonstrators.

According to the sources, the police used live ammunition, thereby exacerbating the tension.

Administrative, political authorities and opinion leaders are currently working to bring the situation under control.

Last week, hundreds of young people from the Kayes demonstrated against the curfew, a measure introduced by the Malian government to combat the spread of Covid-19. These young people, like those in Bamako and other Malian communities, said that this measure prevented them from carrying out their activities and earning a living.

FIN/ INFOSPLUSGABON/GVB/GABON2020

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