Spokesperson for the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), headed by imam Mahmoud Dicko, Étienne Fakaba Sissoko estimated on France 24 that "the junta is solely responsible for the catastrophic situation" in Mali, where an alliance of separatists and jihadists has carried out unprecedented attacks against the military regime of Assimi Goïta.
Published on: 05/05/2026 - 16:22 Modified on: 05/05/2026 - 17:12
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While Mali faces a critical security situation two weeks after coordinated attacks by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (Jnim) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) rebellion, exiled opponent Étienne Fakaba Sissoko estimated Tuesday May 5 on France 24 that "the junta is solely responsible for the catastrophic situation" in the country.
“Everyone regrets what happened. It is the blood of Malians that is being shed but the responsibility lies with the junta,” insisted the spokesperson for the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR). “It is this junta which broke the agreement for peace and reconciliation [2015 peace agreement, concluded with the independentists of the North, Editor's note], which went to look for mercenaries who were guilty of all kinds of abuses and which dissolved political parties and repressed unconsciously.
Look “reality in the face”
Created in December 2025, the CFR calls for an end to the transition led by Assimi Goïta, the head of the junta in power in Mali, and demands a return to constitutional order in a country where democratic space is locked. Founded by several opposition figures in exile, the coalition quickly received the support of imam Mahmoud Dicko.
Supporting the military who seized power by overthrowing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in August 2020, the imam quickly distanced himself from the junta.
Read alsoMali: “The Jnim is aware that it needs a broader alliance to bring down the junta”
According to Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, "the junta must leave [...] to make way for inclusiveness" after the events of recent weeks which officially left 23 civilian and military dead.
“We do not want to be spectators of our country's descent into hell. We do not condone any violence but we must face reality,” argued the trained economist, defending a dialogue with all stakeholders, including Jnim, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, which promotes the establishment of sharia law.
On the other hand, the independence of the North, claimed by the Tuareg rebellions, constitutes a "red line" for the CFR which nevertheless promises to change the constitution to grant greater autonomy to this region.
"It's been a year since the CFR took up its pilgrim's staff and spoke with all the actors involved in this crisis, at the beginning, including with the junta itself. But the latter no longer listens to anyone [...] and has become the one and only obstacle to peace", judges Étienne Fakaba Sissoko. “Today, the convergence of views that emerges is that the junta must leave to make room for dialogue and the reforms that we advocate.”
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