Bamako Under Threat: Is Mali’s capital, Bamako, teetering on the edge of collapse? Concerns are mounting as armed groups tighten their grip, raising questions about the future of the nation. DZWatch spoke with Dr. Rachid Ben Aissa, an expert in international relations and African affairs, to gain insights into the escalating crisis.
Fuel Blockade Chokes the Capital: A crippling fuel blockade, orchestrated by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), is strangling Bamako. Dr. Ben Aissa warns that this tactic is more than just military maneuvering; it’s a calculated strategy to bring the city to its knees without firing a shot.
“Imagine a city without fuel,” he stated. “No schools, no hospitals, no factories, no transportation. This is the slow death being inflicted on Bamako.”
Military Junta Blamed: The blame for Mali’s deteriorating situation rests squarely on the shoulders of Assimi Goïta and his military council, according to Dr. Ben Aissa. He accuses the junta of isolating themselves, dissolving political parties, threatening opponents, abandoning peace agreements, expelling the UN mission, and withdrawing from ECOWAS.
“What did they expect after all this isolation?” Dr. Ben Aissa questioned. “The catastrophe was predictable.”
Can Imam Dicko Offer a Way Out? Amidst the turmoil, calls are growing for the return of Imam Mahmoud Dicko, a prominent religious figure, to help navigate Mali out of its crisis. Whether he holds the key to a peaceful resolution remains to be seen.
France Issues Warning: The French government has urged its citizens to leave Mali immediately, highlighting the gravity of the security situation. The international community watches with increasing anxiety as Mali’s future hangs in the balance.
The Algeria Accord: A Forgotten Path to Peace?: As Mali spirals further into chaos, questions arise about the potential revival of the Algeria Accord, a peace agreement aimed at resolving the country’s long-standing conflicts. The junta’s rejection of dialogue and its increasingly isolationist stance have only exacerbated the crisis, leaving many to wonder if a return to the negotiating table is the only way to avert complete collapse.
