Mali – Current Political and Security Dynamics

from June 2020 CrisisWatch

Jihadist and intercommunal violence continued unabated in the centre, and infighting between competing jihadist groups persisted in north and center. In Mopti region in the centre, Bambara Dozo hunters 5 May stormed Fulani village of Djongué Ouro, Djenne circle, killing at least twelve; attack reportedly in retaliation of 3 May raid on the neighbouring village of Djongué Bambara by suspected jihadists which reportedly killed four. Security forces and Dogon militia Dan Na Ambassagou 13 May reportedly killed six jihadist militants in Dioungani area, Koro circle; three militiamen also killed. Security forces 15 May said they killed around 30 suspected jihadists in the previous day raid near the border with Burkina Faso. Unidentified assailants 23-27 May reportedly killed at least 28 civilians in several attacks on ethnic Dogon villages in Bankass, Bandiagara, and Koro circles. Security forces continued to face allegations of extrajudicial killings. Notably, the army 10 May reportedly killed six Fulani civilians in Dinangourou, Koro circle. Infighting between jihadist groups continued in north and center throughout the month, with jihadist Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) reportedly driving out Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated combatants from most of northern Gao region, and JNIM-affiliated Katiba Macina reportedly inflicting heavy losses on ISIS factions in inner Niger Delta area of Mopti region. After Constitutional Court late April annulled 5.2% of total votes in the second round of legislative elections held 19 April, resulting in the ruling party winning ten additional seats in National Assembly, protests broke out early May in several cities, including capital Bamako, Sikasso and Kati, leaving several injured. National Assembly 11 May elected the ruling party MP Moussa Timbiné as president. After protests against COVID-19 curfew erupted in several cities early May, including Kayes, Bamako, and Bandiagara, govt 9 May lifted curfew throughout the country.

Other source for Mali – Current Political and Security Dynamics:

The Challenges of Governance, Development and Security in the Central Regions of Mali on https://www.sipri.org/publications/2020/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/challenges-governance-development-and-security-central-regions-mali

https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch/june-alerts-and-may-trends-2020#mali

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