The ‘Synergie d’Action pour le Mali’ (SAM) a coalition of opposition parties in Mali has called for a “citizens’ mobilization” on Friday 7 June 2024, after Friday prayers.
The aim of the planned protest is to denounce the incessant power cuts and the rising cost of living, which
are having a serious impact on the lives of citizens and the country’s economy.
For several months now, Mali has been suffering from frequent power cuts, disrupting the activities of hospitals, shops, craft workshops and households, and causing considerable economic losses. To draw the attention of the authorities, the SAM launched “Operation Bougie,” (Candle Operation) an initiative designed to highlight the urgency of the energy situation.
Despite this mobilisation, no adequate solution to the problem has yet been found.
In response, the SAM is planning to hold a major demonstration on 7th June, inviting Malians to “gather after Friday prayers to express their discontent.”
For the moment, details of the venues and itineraries have not yet been revealed. Observers believe that this
could be a strategy to get around the recent bans on demonstrations systematically issued by the authorities.
However, the SAM insisted on the need for a “strong mobilisation to make the voice of the people
heard and demand concrete solutions.”
This mobilisation comes against political tensions. In March, the authorities recently banned the activities of the SAM in Bamako, citing “risks of disturbing public order.”
Despite this ban, the SAM remains determined to mobilise the Malian people to demand immediate
solutions to the energy crisis and the high cost of living.
The SAM, created in February 2024 and made up of 30 opposition parties and groups, is highly critical of the current management of the country and believes that people’s expectations are far from being met.
MD/ac/fss/as/APA