The putsch of August 18, 2020 which led President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA to resign occurred in a context of deep political, social, security, health and humanitarian crisis. The judgment of the Constitutional Court on the result of the legislative elections was its triggering factor. The unilateral renewal of Prime Minister Boubou CISSE and the election of the President of the National Assembly have exacerbated the crisis.
The political class failed to establish a frank and constructive dialogue that could lead to a political way out of the crisis. ECOWAS mediation came at a time when positions were already radicalized and gave the population a feeling of being part of President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA. The crisis thus culminated in a coup d’etat, unfortunately hailed by the protest movements which legitimized this unconstitutional seizure of power. Mali is under ECOWAS sanction which wants the restoration of constitutional order with a return of President IBK to the head of state despite the will of a majority of the Malian people. According to the results of the Tuwindi survey on the way out of the crisis, 54% of those questioned wanted the departure of IBK,
In view of this context, ECOWAS should immediately lift all sanctions against Mali to avoid exacerbating the multidimensional crisis which will compromise the efforts of partners in the Sahel. The junta will have to release President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA, Prime Minister Boubou CISSE as well as the other political detainees.
It is more relevant to put in place a political transition led by credible civilians who did not at one time participate in the management of the State with President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA. This will avoid bringing in actors whose questionable credibility would slow down the process of a rapid return to the rule of law.
From a pragmatic point of view, two options emerge for the leadership of the transition: a first with a President and a civilian Prime Minister and a second with a civilian President and a military Prime Minister.
The transition must be set up at the same time as a monitoring body for its roadmap, the priorities of which must be:
- The resumption of a frank political and social dialogue with all the living forces of the nation. The AZAWAD movements and all the other armed movements must be part of a new dynamic for a holistic management of the Malian crisis;
- Establish a constituent assembly responsible for drafting a new constitution for Mali. The current one has highlighted its limits for the Mali of the present and the future; The methods of appointing its members must be discussed at the dialogue mentioned in point 1, just as the conclusions of this dialogue must feed into the work of the constituent assembly.
- Strengthen international cooperation to fight terrorism, support the return to the rule of law and galvanize the Malian economy especially in this period of coronavirus;
- Immediately resolve the school and education crisis in general in order to get Malian schools back on the road;
- Organize and hold coupled presidential and legislative elections. The elected President will have to hold the referendum election no later than six months after his election and his term will automatically be counted in the new republic to avoid any possibility of exceeding more than two terms.
- Open an investigation into recent human rights violations and economic crimes;
The transition should not exceed twelve months. It must be inclusive with a particular regard for greater participation of women and young people. Officials and leaders of the transition should not be allowed to stand or campaign in the presidential election.
En savoir plus sur TIDIANI TOGOLA
Abonnez-vous pour recevoir les derniers articles par e-mail.
