An anti-French demonstration was repressed in Bamako. As a prelude, it should be noted that in addition to UN forces, France is also present in Mali with more than 3000 men to fight against the jihadist threat.
But, year after year, voices are raised to denounce the French presence in the country. Some of the detractors do not hesitate to assert that France is in cahoots with the separatists of the North (MNLA) and certain jihadist groups.
In the morning of that January, while the authorities were celebrating the 60th anniversary of its army, associations and movements were also organizing in the afternoon for a meeting to demand the departure of French forces.
This is an initiative of the Yèrèwolo Ton movement and representatives of the NGO Urgences panafricaines of the Franco-Beninese Kémi Seba who believe that French forces must pack up their bags in Mali.
This meeting, which was planned for around 2 pm at the Independence Monument, did not take place in the end. Barely a hundred demonstrators gathered in the surrounding area, the police suddenly appeared with tear gas to disperse them. The toll of this repression was reported to be three injured.
In fact, for more than a month, the Malian government has imposed a state of emergency prohibiting any gathering of more than 50 people. Also, the governor of the district had not also given his authorization for the said meeting.
However, the Malian artist Salif Keita and Adama Diarra, all members of the CNT (National Transition Council), believe that France is far from being a solution for the stability of Mali. Several demonstrators who were repressed nevertheless reaffirmed their commitment to the cause despite the said incidents.
