Salif Keita declared his unwavering support for Mali's military junta, describing them as the last hope for the country amid ongoing political turmoil and insecurity. He articulated, "I decided to support the military government because Mali is a country that has been sold... They are our last hope, and we will always support them." Keita's endorsement reflects a broader sentiment among some citizens who view the junta as a stabilizing force, despite significant international criticisms regarding human rights.
In his defense of the junta, Keita dismissed accusations of human rights abuses, claiming they were false and politically motivated. He stated, "They are followed and loved by 99.99% of their people. We are happy they are in charge because they took control of the country and they are ready to die for their fatherland." This assertion juxtaposes starkly against the concerns raised by international watchdogs who highlight increasing repression under military rules.
Amid the controversy, human rights advocates argue against Keita's views, emphasizing that evidence of repression under military rule is apparent. Aguibou Bouare, the president of Mali's National Human Rights Commission, acknowledged that while Keita has the right to express his opinion, it's crucial to address the reality of human rights violations reported by various organizations. This adds complexity to the situation in Mali, where support for the junta exists hand-in-hand with concerns over civil liberties.
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