Violence in the center when Mali comes to the elections – News

Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been shaken by violence for several years in a conflict between extremist separatists and Islamists. The latest bloody attack, a jihadist attack in northeastern Mali, took place a few weeks before Sunday's presidential election. In recent months, more than 100 people have been killed in this volatile region, highlighting the fragility of security in West Africa.

Reject accusations

Violence has become a key issue in elections. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, known as the IBK, is blamed by his opponents for failing to create security in the country and to solve the turmoil following a failed peace agreement in 2015. He is still represented on election posters in the capital Bamako. . The leader has denied recent attacks of "pockets of violence" and "remnants of terrorism" for many months and said in a poll that the state was still making "huge economic efforts". "to prevent other acts

At the same time, dissatisfaction with him and his party RPM (Collection for Mali) has increased.In June, hundreds of residents of the capital rallied to protest.

Among the 23 presidential candidates, there is one that might challenge the president: Soumaila Cisse, former Minister of Finance and the Economy, which lost to Boubacar Keita. already out and asserted that there is cheating on Sunday's election.

Strong Monitoring

Violence is also a threat to the election itself. Among others, in northern Mali, where the state is in principle unchecked, 30,000 people have been summoned by security forces and pro-government armed groups to monitor the process

From the EU, 100 observers should be in place. The chief observer of the EU, the Italian Cecile Kyenge, told AFP that she called for "more transparency" and the possibility for observers to do their job. Nevertheless, there is concern that people in violent areas will not dare to go to the polls.

In the 2013 elections, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won 78% of the vote. Diplomats like the Reuters news agency have spoken of the president's election this year, despite his criticism. If none of the candidates receives more than half of the votes, other elections will be held on August 12th.

It is hoped that the election could contribute to the conclusion of the peace agreement reached between the government and the government in June 2015 and the rebel forces can once again be on the political agenda after the recent conflict.