Mali Opposition Rejects Reform Offer Ahead of Protests

MALI: Opposition groups in Mali have called for protests on Friday to demand the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a day after he promised some reforms.

The 5 June Movement – Rally of Patriotic Forces (M5-RFP) said a promise by President Keita to reform the constitutional court and an earlier offer to form a coalition government that includes opposition politicians were not enough.

Star singer Salif Keita has asked Malians to join the protests that are led by the prominent Muslim cleric Mahmoud Dicko.

In a speech to the nation late on Wednesday, President Keita offered to appoint new judges to the constitutional court, which has been at the centre of controversy following the contested March legislative elections.

The M5-RFP movement has been demanding the dissolution of parliament, the formation of a transitional government and the replacement of judges at the constitutional court.

Protesters in June demanded the resignation of President Keita for failing to end an Islamist insurgency in central and northern Mali.

The protests threaten to further destabilize Mali, which is supported by thousands of foreign forces in its efforts to end jihadist violence.