Let us hope for Mali and its people to break free from the perpetual cycle of military rule and the persistence of authoritarianism. The Gambia and its citizens suffered greatly under Yahya Jammeh’s tyrannical regime, a plight akin to the current distress and curtailment of freedoms and civil liberties endured by the Malian populace. The torment and despair of life under such tyrannical rule resonate deeply. This chapter of history underscores the critical need to protect our nascent democracy and to never assume its survival is assured.
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: The situation in Mali remains troubling as the days pass. Since the initial coup d’état in 2020, followed by another in 2021, Mali has seen a shift towards authoritarianism, with significant restrictions on freedoms. The country is mired in an indefinite transition, with a junta that continues to consolidate power while failing to address basic citizen needs, such as access to electricity. In this context, the ousting of Choguel Maïga seems almost trivial. His downfall serves as a reminder that those who align with authoritarian populism, under the guise of nationalism or patriotism, will ultimately fail, as their fair-weather allies do not truly support democracy or freedom. This pattern is familiar to Gambians, who experienced Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, which was characterized by silencing and intimidating the populace. In such regimes, independent media, political activists, and genuine civil society can only thrive at considerable risk.
Authoritarianism, within the context of illiberal democracies or closed societies such as Mali, flourishes by suppressing dissenting voices. Recent developments in Mali include the shutdown of Joliba TV News, a local private channel, by the nation’s High Authority for Communication on November 26, accompanied by the revocation of the channel’s license. This action was taken following a complaint lodged on November 12 by the High Council for Communication of the United Nations, Burkina Faso. Reports from various corroborating sources indicate that the Burkinabe body filed a complaint against Issa Kaou N’Djim, a Malian politician, who cast doubt on the credibility of the destabilization accusations against Burkina Faso made by the junta in Ouagadougou.
The individual in question has been arrested and incarcerated, awaiting a trial set for December.
Fatoumatta: A complaint by a public entity in Burkina Faso has led to the jailing of an activist in Mali on charges so trivial they would be laughable if the situation weren’t so fundamentally tragic. It’s a shared misfortune in Africa that one can be imprisoned on such ludicrous accusations. Advocates for freedom and rights who were once petitioners can become implicated in crimes for current interests. Among allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), support is mutually extended. In Burkina Faso, the state of liberties is also concerning, with the junta declaring a transition period of five years, equivalent to a full term in a standard democratic and electoral cycle.
Mohamed Attaher Halidou, as a journalist for Joliba TV, exemplifies wisdom and dignity. His commentary provides a fresh viewpoint for activists ardently and courageously battling against the normalization of suppressing different ideas and opinions. He inspires activists throughout Africa to persevere and not give in when threats become institutionalized.
Fatoumatta: Mali is currently experiencing similar challenges under its military junta, with the Malian people enduring hardships akin to those we faced under Jammeh’s regime. Military regimes seem to adopt a consistent strategy for political survival and power retention. In Mali, this is evident in the ousting of a civilian Prime Minister, the shutdown of media outlets, including the renowned Joliba TV, and the random arrest and detention of civilians, reflecting the methods Jammeh employed to secure his control..
The Gambia’s harrowing experience under dictatorship serves as a cautionary tale for Mali and other countries undergoing similar challenges. It is vital to combat the misuse of power and maintain democratic values. The global community should unite in support of the Malian people’s pursuit of liberty and justice.
“History is a relentless judge. Every compromise and transition comes at a cost. At Joliba TV, we would rather forfeit our license than let the HAC dictate our professional ethics. Under our leadership, Joliba will not serve as an echo chamber.” I naturally endorse the leadership and journalists of Joliba TV, as they stand as defenders of freedom and embody the hope of resisting the demands of the powerful.
The press serves the republican fatherland exclusively, and wherever the brown plague spreads, it seeks to snuff out the bright light of freedom represented by credible and independent journalism, replacing it with the darkness of ignorance. Similarly, I stand with the Malian democrats who, since June 20, have been calling for the release of the eleven political leaders arrested for their sole transgression: convening at the private residence of a Malian opposition leader.
Fatoumatta: To all pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, artists, and intellectuals who have endured suffering akin to what we experienced during Yahya Jammeh’s 22 years of despotism, I assure you that peaceful mornings are on the horizon, and the light of democracy and freedom will shine brightly again. My warmest thoughts extend to the one who will recognize himself in these words, our esteemed colleague, and to the entire Malian population yearning for the return of freedom and democracy. In conclusion, The Gambia’s ordeal highlights the imperative of constant vigilance in protecting democracy. We must ensure that the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom were not in vain. Similarly, the people of Mali deserve our support as they endeavor towards a more just and democratic society.
