Plans to return Mali to democracy have begun in disarray after a coalition of political parties accused the country’s military authorities of excluding it from some of the talks.
It comes as ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita leaves the country for the United Arab Emirates for a medical check-up.
The military government seized power last month and has promised to restore civilian rule within the next two years, but West African heads of state are calling for a speedy transition.
Supporters of the M5-RFP coalition staged a rally of more than 1,000 delegates shouting at the mediator.
One of their members said the entire program was ‘smelly’ after their group was allowed to attend only one of the meetings, but military representatives were present at all the venues.
Tensions are running high between the group and Mali’s military government, and experts say the country is unlikely to make progress if they do not resolve such issues before embarking on a roadmap. democracy. BBC
