Title: The Malian political class in turmoil following the extension of the Transition
Introduction :
In Mali, the announcement of the extension of the Transition sparked a real outcry within the political class. While the presidential election which would mark the return to constitutional order was initially scheduled for next February, no new date has been set. This decision was strongly criticized by the various political parties, who denounce a lack of transparency and anticipation on the part of the transitional authorities. In this article, we will explore the reactions and demands of the Malian political class in the face of this extension of the Transition.
Unanimous reactions of dissatisfaction:
Whether it is the M5-RFP, the Yelema party, the AFD or even the LDC, Malian political parties have expressed their deep indignation at this extension of the Transition. The M5-RFP, from which the current transitional Prime Minister Choguel Maïga comes, denounces this unilateral decision and recalls the importance of respecting electoral commitments to return to constitutional order. For its part, the Yelema party raises suspicions about the premeditated nature of this extension, and deplores the absence of tangible results from the Transition. The AFD also regrets this non-consensual postponement without an indicative date, pointing out the lack of consultation with the political class and ECOWAS.
The Appeal of February 20 maintains its intransigence:
The political and civil organizations of the February 20 Appeal, which are opposed to the transitional authorities, maintain their firm position regarding respecting the initial deadline of the presidential election. They consider this unilateral decision as an attempt to take Malian democracy hostage. Likewise, the Democratic League for Change (LDC) of General Moussa Sinko Coulibaly vehemently condemns this extension and calls for the planned date to be maintained.
The lack of consultation is controversial:
One of the main criticisms formulated by all political parties is the absence of consultation of the political class in this decision to extend the Transition. The parties deplore the lack of transparency and consultation, stressing that this decision could have been avoided if the authorities had shown political will. They also regret the non-compliance with commitments made to ECOWAS, which calls into question the credibility of the transitional authorities.
Conclusion :
The extension of the Transition in Mali has caused a real earthquake within the political class. Political parties, whether in opposition or not, are expressing their dissatisfaction and concern with this unilateral decision. They denounce the lack of transparency, anticipation and consultation on the part of the transitional authorities. Maintaining the initial deadline for the presidential election is today a unanimous demand of the Malian political class. The country’s political future seems more uncertain than ever.