Mali: Debate on army’s rule and presence of foreign forces

DOUALA, Cameroon

The continuation of the military-led transitional government and the presence of foreign forces has become a topic of a raging debate in the West African nation of Mali, as the country continues to confront terrorism and political instability.

A few months ago, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called for continued international support as the landlocked country continues to deal with numerous obstacles.

Since Aug. 18, when the military ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the transitional government largely comprises of military officers. Four key ministries and the National Transitional Council, which acts as a legislative body are also headed by army officers.

"Since the beginning, the willingness of the military to control the entire process with the choice of a former military officer as president of the transition demonstrates in more than one way their intention, which has been countered by the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]," said Seyni Cisse Diop, a security expert, and a former Senegalese military officer.

Doubting the intentions of the military, Justice Simango, Zimbabwean political strategist, said he has a suspicion, whether the army wanted just change the government or rather to appoint a person of their choice as ruler.

"It is not surprising that ECOWAS has condemned the coup in Mali. Similar military actions with similar purposes have taken place in West African countries and they have not kept their promise," he said.

According to Simango, not only in Mali but in all African countries, the politics needs to be demilitarized and soldiers should remain in barracks.

He said the military coups undermine democracy and strongly affect the political-economic stability and security of the country.

Growing terrorist threat

More so, due to the terrorist threat, it becomes more important for the military to confront the threat, rather than remaining concentrated in the capital Bamako.

“The terror threat is growing more and more in a large territory that is difficult to control. Particularly when the security apparatus is more deployed in the center. The country has seen recent attacks in Kidal, Menaka, and Gao which means that the whole Malian territory is affected by the threat,” said Diop.

Responding to the UN secretary-general’s call, recently 300 British soldiers arrived in Mali to secure the country. There is already a UN Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). French forces are also engaged in the operation of Barkhane against armed Islamists in West Africa.

While welcoming this military help to confront terrorist threats, Diop said, after all, it must be borne in mind that these courtiers are not friends, but have their interests.

"The proximity of the region of Kidal in Mali with that of Arlit in Niger easily explains France's energy interests in this country. And the new soldiers arriving are consciously looking for goods, energy, and so on. They seek to feed themselves under the pretext of aid," said the security expert.

Role of French army

According to Simango, the presence of the French military in Mali does not contribute to the political and economic stability of the country.

He also blamed foreign forces for collaborating in the military coup.

"It takes time to orchestrate a military coup, we have seen it in Zimbabwe and Nigeria, where military coups are planned for years before being successfully implemented," he added.

He said the country needs a civilian government and the restoration of democratic processes along with a redefinition of the role of the military, external forces, and civil society's involvement.

The political strategist also recommended that Mali should urgently devise a strategic roadmap to plan political and economic transformation and initiate a dialogue reinforced by ECOWAS to bring out competent leaders.

Diop asked for exploring more strategic partners, who are sincere and help the country in its transformation.