West Africa: The Sahel – Promoting Political Alongside Military Action
Mali delayed regional elections until April 2018 in order to address dissatisfaction with the timing from powerful armed groups, the government said.
Attention has also shifted to the July 2018 presidential election. In parts of the country, particularly central and northern Mali, a credible vote appears a remote prospect, due to insecurity and state weakness. But any attempt to postpone the vote would likely spark street protests: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has struggled both to restore security and stimulate development, and is increasingly unpopular even in his core constituencies of Bamako and other southern cities.
West Africa: The Sahel – Promoting Political Alongside Military Action
Mali Delays December Regional Election Until April 2018