Bouba K. Traoré, interim President of the 5 June Movement Rassemblement des forces patriotiques (M5-RFP) in favour of Choguel Maïga, was arrested on Monday 27 May in his office at the Prime Minister’s Office by agents of the Judicial Investigation Brigade.
On the third anniversary of the “Rectification of the Trajectory of the Transition” – the second coup in May 2021 – the M5-RFP published a memorandum detailing the successes and challenges encountered since the fall of the previous regime in August 2020.
The document points out that the transition was initially “restored in May-June 2021, during a strategic partnership between civilian and military forces”.
The achievements reported in the document include the strengthening of security, with the re-conquest of military bases, and institutional reform with the adoption of a new constitution, creating the 4th Republic.
Reforms to improve governance and combat corruption have also been implemented, along with a notable economic recovery.
The memorandum also discusses recent tensions, in particular the dismissal of M5-RFP ministers without prior consultation, and criticises recent decisions such as the extension of the transition and negotiations with armed groups proposed by participants in the inter-Malian dialogue that recently ended.
It denounced extrajudicial arrests and arbitrary detentions, pointing to a loosening of the terms of the Pact of Honour between the civilian and military forces.
The arrest of Bouba K Traoré raises questions about freedom of expression and political repression in Mali.
This could mark a turning point in the Malian transition, exacerbating tensions between the various political players.
The development of this situation should be monitored closely, as it could have significant repercussions on Mali’s political and social future.
MD/ac/lb/as/APA