Bamako: Four years after the military coup that removed Mali’s then-president, many residents are experiencing deepening economic challenges and ongoing power outages that are impacting businesses across the country.
The August 2020 coup, which resulted from widespread dissatisfaction with corrupt leaders, a growing jihadist insurgency, and economic struggles, initially promised a change in governance. However, many Malians are still waiting for improvements. “The way they’ve handled the electricity situation is a problem. Many Malians are experiencing huge losses,” said Oumar Diarra, a furniture maker. “The government has to make an effort because we are suffering enormously.”
This coup marked the beginning of a series of similar uprisings in the Sahel region, affecting neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, which are also grappling with jihadist threats linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. In Mali, the situation was compounded by a second coup in 2021. The military leaders, who initially promised elections in February, have indefinitely postponed the vote, citing technical difficulties.
Power outages are a widespread issue, impacting daily life and livelihoods. Allasana Ag Agaly, a silversmith, highlighted the pervasive effect of these cuts: “If the head of the family goes out in the morning and comes back at night without being able to work to bring something to his family, it will affect the children, the women and everyday life.”
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Economic forecasts are bleak. The World Bank projects Mali’s economic growth will slow to 3.1% this year, down from 3.5% last year, with extreme poverty rates rising. Approximately 90% of Mali’s population lives in poverty.
In response to the insurgent threat, Mali’s military leaders, like their counterparts in Niger and Burkina Faso, expelled French and U.N. troops, opting for Russian assistance instead. Some residents, however, remain hopeful, viewing the current hardships as a necessary step towards greater autonomy from France.
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“Political independence without economic independence is meaningless,” said Alkady Haidara, a resident of Bamako. “I just want Malians to be patient, because it’s part of life. You have to go through a difficult time to have a brighter moment.”
