A week after the jihadist attacks in Bamako, arrests continue and cause concern

4 mins

It was his first speech since the double attack in Bamako on Tuesday, September 17, for which the colonel Assimi Goïta has still not given an official report but which, according to many Malian security and civilian sources, has caused more than 70 deaths and 200 injuries. He assured Malians of the ” pursuit ” of the “ stabilization operations » and of the « redeployment » of the army in the country.

The arrests of people suspected of complicity in the Bamako attacks are numerous and continue, too. And although they have not been the subject of any official communication at this stage, many concerns are being expressed, particularly in the ranks of certain communities who say they are victims of stigmatization.

The latest exchanges of fire were not over at the airport in the Malian capital, Tuesday, September 17 at midday, when state television ORTM was already filming about twenty suspects, arrested near the gendarmerie school. These are the two places that had been attacked at dawn, just a week ago. Since then, the arrests have not stopped. How many have there been in total? For what facts? Have these arrests already given rise to charges? Have people been released? Contacted by RFI, neither the Malian army nor the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection responded.

” Alleged authors, co-authors and accomplices »

An investigation was officially opened on the same day as the double attack by the specialized anti-terrorist judicial unit, in particular with the aim of ” to identify and arrest the alleged perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices so that they can answer for their actions before the courts “, according to the prosecutor’s statement.

Under Malian law, the period of police custody is 72 hours, but for terrorism cases it can be extended to fifteen days, renewable twice, making a total of 45 days.

According to Malian security sources, there are a large number of arrests in Bamako, in Kati (a garrison town next to the capital which is also the stronghold of the military in power), but also in the regions, particularly in Ségou. Those arrested are detained in Bamako by the State Security services or the gendarmerie.

” Delivered directly by residents »

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Oumar Diarra, asked the population on Tuesday, September 17, to collaborate and to ” provide information ” to apprehend possible ” accomplices ” He also called for avoiding ” amalgams ” to avoid any form of community reprisals.

But the violent videos circulating on social networks and the confidences collected off-camera by RFI are not reassuring. They show many arrests made on the basis of popular denunciations. Denunciations that largely target the Fulani community, but which do not spare the “light-skinned”, Tuaregs and Arabs. Some are delivered directly by residents to the security forces »testifies a community executive, who declares himself “chiccuped ” Another citizen belonging to the Fulani ethnic group explains that the remarks equating his community with ” terrorists ” are increasingly openly being used in his entourage, even in his presence, and he has even been personally attacked in recent days for having mentioned, during a discussion, videos circulating on social networks.

Calls for restraint

Many do not hide their fears that the situation will degenerate. Some even encourage their relatives to avoid unnecessary outings. Others, who support the transitional authorities, also recall that they can go out on the street without being worried.

In recent days, many personalities, organizations and community leaders, political parties and even artists have launched calls for restraint, cohesion and living together.

Also readMali: Jnim killed more than 70 people during the double jihadist attack on September 17 in Bamako