The Way Out of Mali Crisis

The people of Mali are excited about the military coup in the city state. This reflected in the recent jubilation of the people and the mass rally staged in support of the military junta.

But, some international actors are not pleased with the military coup. They choose to taketh paracetamol over Malians’ headaches. They want the deposed president, Keïta Boubacar reinstated — in the name of democratic uprightness. Is democracy still a government of the majority? If yes, people’s opinions and interest mean a lot.

The military junta has capitalised on President Keïta’s unpopularity to stage a coup. For over some months, massive protests have rocked the state. Malians have taken to streets to demand the resignation of Keïta on the ground of fantastic corruption, inter ethnic violence, dictatorship amongst other issues.

An average Malian is forced by this circumstance, to see the military junta as Messiah that has cometh to liberate them in the hand of a rude dictator.

It’s good for international actors to occupy the stage and advocate for peace and democracy — but any solicitation that does not put into consideration the interest of an average Malian is not only parochial but also undemocratic. And it must be resisted by the people’s voice.

Shortly after Keita’s arrest, he tendered his resignation and dissolved the parliament. This he claimed was done to ensure peace and tranquillity in the city state. The same peace and tranquillity that his initial gra-gra has cost the people of Mali.

The most honorable advice we can giveth the junta is to leave the public show when ovation is still very loud. The military junta should restore an independent electoral organ, get political parties and free press back to their feet and let a free, fair and credible election manifest.

I’m confident that whoever emerges the winner would have one lesson or two to learn from the sunrise and the disgraceful sunset of Keita — and this would serve as catalyst for a new Bamako.

Mali has suffered many years of political instability and misgovernance. It’s necessary that Malian stakeholders learn from mistakes of the past and set that part of west Africa on a genuine journey of rebirth.

Rasak Ayanlakin (Democrat) writes from Osun State, Nigeria