Malian president ibrahim boubacar keita

The movement against Keita’s government is now known as the June 5 Movement, or M5, a reflection of when demonstrators first took to the streets en masse. Keita’s gestures in recent days so far have failed to win favor with the opposition group, which still wants the National Assembly dissolved. … [Read more...] about Mali’s president urges dialogue after thousands protest

Seven years after the French-led military intervention, insurgents linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group continue to launch frequent attacks. Over the last five years, they also have expanded their reach into central Mali, stoking animosity and deadly violence between ethnic groups in the region. … [Read more...] about Police fire tear gas at protest against Mali’s president

Initially opposition leaders backed away from a call for Keita’s ouster, but they hardened their resolve after protests in the streets of Bamako brought a violent response by security force. At least a dozen protesters have died this month amid unrest, deepening perceptions that Keita is out of step with the majority of Malians. … [Read more...] about Mali opposition dismiss latest gesture by W. African leaders

The last democratically elected leader before Keita, President Amadou Toumani Toure, was overthrown in the 2012 coup after a decade in power. The political chaos that ensued has been blamed for creating a power vacuum that allowed the Islamic insurgency to take hold in the north. Following international pressure, that coup leader later handed over power to a civilian transitional government that organized elections. … [Read more...] about Mali protests in 2nd day despite President’s call for talks

France led a military operation to oust jihadists from northern Mali not long before Keita took office in 2013. In the years since, those militants have continued to launch attacks on Malian forces and U.N. peacekeepers. Islamic extremists also have gained a foothold in central Mali where their presence has inflamed tensions between ethnic groups. … [Read more...] about Mali opposition to protest after rejecting mediators’ plan