To meet the health crisis, major measures have been taken in Mali. But that’s not all. At the same time, the authorities invoke “the country’s security situation” and “persistent terrorist acts” to implement a whole range of other measures. Without any connection to Covid-19, they mark a serious screwdriver.
Mali has been in a state of emergency since Saturday 19 December. A decision taken by the transitional authorities as a series of measures to cope with the acceleration of the spread of coronavirus: no more schools until 4 January, no more public hearings until 16, but above all the closure of shopping streets, bars, restaurants and nightclubs until further notice. The markets remain open, but they are sprayed, disinfected from kl. 18.00
Secure screw
But in parallel with the measures to combat the epidemic, the transitional authorities have also introduced measures that “will significantly change the exercise of public and individual freedoms”, in the words of the territorial administration. These measures mark a safety round for the CEO.
In a letter addressed to all the governors, prefects and sub-prefects of Mali, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga tells them that they can now “order searches everywhere, day and night”. The Minister also reminds them that they have the power to “ensure control of the press”, “social networks”, “radio or television broadcasts” and cinemas and theaters.
Representatives of the State, throughout the territory, may also “take all provisions relating to the control of postal, telegraphic, electronic or telephone correspondence”. In other words, eavesdrop on cell phones and read private email exchanges.
With the state of emergency, governors and prefects can also “regulate or prohibit the movement of people and vehicles in certain places and at certain times”, or even prohibit “any person trying to obstruct the action of public authorities”. travel to some riding.
Gatherings and demonstrations can be banned and curfews imposed. Finally, the administrative authorities will be able, without a court decision, to house the arrest or even imprison “any person whose activities are dangerous”, “or who try to obstruct the actions of the public authorities”.
Concerns for CNDH and journalists
This battery of devices worries the Mali National Commission of Human Rights. Aguibou Bouaré, president of the CNDH, says he is doubling his vigilance over these measures, which are considered “liberticidal”.
It is especially in exceptional cases that the temptation is great to take drastic measures. So we are doubling our vigilance despite the health situation being worrying.
Aguibou Bouaré is worried about the emergency
As for the control of the press, of written publications, but also of radio and television stations announced by the government, this causes journalists’ organizations to react. Dramane Aliou Koné, president of Maison de la presse, an organization that brings together journalists’ organizations in Mali, protests:
“It undermines freedom of speech, freedom of the press. This can give rise to pressure from the press because it means that every article that goes against the government will be censored. There will no longer be freedom of speech or opinion because it will attack some. We want to remind the authorities that we are responsible, aware of the country’s difficulties, but we are not at all prepared to let anyone go on our freedoms. “
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