Malian Premier bemoans loss of lives during demonstrations against President Keita

13 Juillet 2020

Bamako, Mali, July 13 (Infosplusgabon) - The Malian Prime Minister, Boubou Cissé, whose government of National Accord is "still in the works" for nearly a month, says he sincerely regrets the loss of lives and injuries to many among demonstrators and law enforcement officials during demonstrations organized since Friday in Bamako by the Movement of 5 June - Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP) against President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and his regime.

In a statement, read out on Sunday evening on National Television, the Malian Prime Minister announced that an investigation is underway to shed light on the situation and establish who is responsible while expressing his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Stressing his preference for social peace in Mali, President Keita, said his desire for calm across the country explained his setting up of the Constitutional Court, an act which constitutes the prerequisite for any other constitutional decision concerning the National Assembly, including the review of electoral disputes.

"This is a response to the grievances expressed, on the one hand, by the M5-RFP, and, on the other hand, to the recommendations of the international community," adds the communiqué which reveals that consultations for the formation of a Government of National Accord are underway, in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State and to expedite the implementation of the recommendations of the Inclusive National Dialogue.

The Prime Minister said he was counting on the patriotic spirit of all political and civil society actors "who should impose dialogue, respect for the institutions of the Republic and restraint on us," the communiqué concluded.

Demonstrations organized since Friday by the M5-RFP to demand the resignation of the Malian president have led to scenes of violence and looting of public buildings and private property.

Demonstrations continue on Monday, especially in the right-wing districts of the Malian capital.

According to a hospital source, 11 people were killed between Friday and Sunday by the security forces and more than 120 injured.

FIN/ INFOSPLUSGABON/ANK/GABON2020

© Copyright  Infosplusgabon