Malians are experiencing economic hardship following four years of military authority

In the four years since the military deposed Mali’s former president and assumed power, numerous residents have observed that economic hardships are escalating and that businesses are being adversely affected by frequent power outages.

Public outrage against corrupt leaders who were supported by former colonial power France, a jihadist insurgency that was spreading, and economic hardship were the catalysts for the August 2020 revolt in the troubled West African nation. There are still numerous individuals who are anticipating that their fate will improve.

There is an issue with the manner in which they have addressed the electricity situation. Reuters was informed by Oumar Diarra, a furniture manufacturer, that numerous Malians are currently experiencing substantial losses. “The government has to make an effort because we are suffering enormously.”

The coup in Mali in 2020 played a role in the initiation of a wave of coups in the Sahel region, which is located south of the Sahara desert. This wave of coups also affected the neighboring countries of Burkina Faso and Niger, which are currently engaged in a conflict with the same jihadist groups that are affiliated with IS and al Qaeda.

The World Bank anticipates that economic growth in Mali will decrease to 3.1% this year from 3.5% last year, and acute poverty levels will increase. The poverty rate in Mali is approximately 90%.

In addition, Mali’s military leaders, as well as those in Niger and Burkina Faso, ejected French and U.N. personnel that had been engaged in the struggle against Islamist insurgents for a decade and instead sought assistance from Russia.

According to certain residents, they are cautiously optimistic and perceive the present challenges as a cost associated with achieving greater autonomy from France.

“Political independence is without significance without economic independence,” stated Alkady Haidara, a resident of the capital, Bamako. “I simply wish for Malians to understand that patience is a natural aspect of life.” “You must endure adversity in order to experience a more happy moment.”