Mali: tear gas fired on the return of influential Imam Dicko

Soukaina Sghir
Soukaina Sghir
2 Min Read
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The faithful of Imam Mahmoud Dicko requested an answer from the Malian junta on Sunday for the use of tear gas the day before during a rally on the return from abroad of this significant religious and political figure.

The tear gas fire attributed to the security forces has attracted a lot of attention because of the influence given to Imam Dicko and the interest shown in the slightest sign of potential tension in the context of monopolization of power by the military.

Imam Dicko was the protective figure of a protest movement that preceded the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta by the colonels in 2020. He openly expressed his disagreements with the junta.

Many lovers of the imam went to welcome him on Saturday at Bamako airport on his return from Saudi Arabia, where he has just been honored by the NGO Islamic World League.

Furthermore, Tear gas was launched during the procession accompanying the dignitary home, showing video and photo images that have circulated extensively on social networks.

No explanation was given for the use of tear gas. Imam Dicko played down the incident and said he “regrets” it in a video released on Saturday. But the Coordination of Movements, Associations, and Supporters of Imam Mahmoud Dicko (CMAS) said on Sunday that it condemned this “aggression”.

Maryam Lahbal

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