The Malian junta announced on Wednesday the dissolution of the Association of Pupils and Students of Mali (AEEM), which it accuses of being responsible for violence and clashes for several years in the school environment, according to a press release from the council of ministers dated March 13.
“The actions in question sow unrest within the school and university space and cause disruptions of classes, assassinations, murders and destruction of public and private property through violent street demonstrations and illegal carrying of weapons », Says the government.
The press release reports armed clashes “between the different clans of the said association”, the most recent of which, on February 28, “caused the death of a young student (…) and several serious injuries”.
“In view of these findings, the Association of Pupils and Students of Mali (AEEM) is dissolved. »
In Mali as elsewhere, student organizations are often considered potential centers of political agitation. In 1991, students were at the forefront of the fight for the fall of General Moussa Traoré, ultimately overthrown by a coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Amadou Toumani Touré.
On Wednesday, the United Nations said it was “deeply concerned” by the dissolution of civil society organizations in Mali, and more broadly by “increasing restrictions” on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Strategic reorientation
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCDC) mentions in particular the Coordination of Movements, Associations and Sympathizers of Imam Mahmoud Dicko (CMAS), whose dissolution was announced on March 6, and the Observatory for elections and good governance in Mali.
Imam Mahmoud Dicko, an influential religious figure, is one of the few to dare to openly express his disagreements with the military in power after having been one of its supporters. He is currently abroad.
The HCDC considers it “essential” that the authorities protect civic space and ensure full respect for Mali’s laws and that they comply with their obligations “under international and regional human rights law.”
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by jihadist attacks and a serious crisis, not only security, but also political and humanitarian.
The colonels who took power by force in 2020 made a strategic reorientation, broke the old alliance with the former colonial power France and turned militarily and politically towards Russia.
