On Saturday, Mali’s opposition politicians announced the formation of a transition government in exile, aiming to challenge the military-led administration in the country since the 2020 coup.
This move marks the latest action by the civilian opposition following the failure of Mali’s military rulers to meet a March deadline for holding elections and transferring power to a civilian government.
A statement from the citizen assembly of the civil transition, based in Geneva and signed by exiled Malian politician Adaman Traore, who is identified as the body’s president, announced the election of government members.
According to the statement, this “civil transition government” is deemed the sole legitimate authority in Mali.
The rival government’s prime minister and defense minister were named as Mohamed Cherif Kone and several other prominent exiled politicians listed as members.
The announcement followed a day after the political movement associated with Mali’s junta-appointed civilian prime minister, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, openly criticised the military rulers for the first time.
It could not be verified whether Maiga supported that stance or the statement issued by the rival “government” on Saturday.
The colonels have maintained a firm grip on power, suspending all party-political activities and silencing opponents, journalists, and human rights activists.
Mali has been embroiled in a political and security crisis since 2012, marked by attacks from insurgents and other armed groups, as well as a separatist conflict in the north.
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