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Malians Rally for Return of Peace, Order

Muslims prays for peace during a rally at the March 26 stadium in Bamako, Mali August 12, 2012.

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VOA News

August 12, 2012

Tens of thousands of protesters crowded the stadium of Mali's capital Bamako Sunday to demand government action to re-establish control in the country's north and restore peace in the western African nation.

Many Malians accuse the interim leadership of internal bickering which they say has enabled Islamists groups in the north to take hold. Meanwhile, those groups are seeking to impose strict Islamic laws in the areas they have occupied. Last week they caused outrage by amputating a hand of a suspected thief.

The West African bloc ECOWAS has said it is ready to deploy about 3,000 troops to help restore legitimate rule in northern Mali.

The country's interim President Dioncounda Traore has said he will make the request once a unity government is formed.

Mali's interim Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra took over in April to lead the country until a more representative government can be elected. But he refuses to step down and has been accused of blocking the move to form a unity government.

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by: Godwin from: Nigeria

August 13, 2012 2:21 PM

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Sit-tightism is another form of government but obtains only in Africa and the Arab world. It's a mentality that the world wishes to do away with but African leaders think they can maneuver to bring round in again. Our own Obasanjo made spirited effort to perpetuate himself but somehow was rejected by providence. Jonathan is at it presently - he failed to play the game according to the rule when Yar-adua's tenor elapsed and ignored every caution to vie for the seat which he "won" by all means. No one is surprised, especially in Africa if Traore repeats it - it's not unusual after he's tasted what it is like to be a powerful president. Even the Devil wanted to overthrow God in heaven. Now that the Malians have spoken and the interim president is hungry for longer stay, could he listen to what the people are asking for - remove the snag that is islamic militancy from their land. I can feel their heart beat - the scare of those mad islamists so close to them is like having a madman with sharpened cutlass standing right behind you. The people have the will to be free, let the government provide the means even if Traore does not wish to go so soon.

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